An irregular heartbeat caused my stroke

By Peter

Irregular pulse or irregular heartbeat is known as atrial fibrillation, or AF.

It is a disease that I have lived with for a number of years, and I thought that between my cardiologist, my GP and myself, we had it well in hand.

That was until I had a stroke last year.

I was getting out of bed in the early hours of the morning to get some medicine for a cough. I collapsed making my way back to bed, and the almighty crash woke my wife Katherine.

Being a nurse, Katherine recognised that I was having a stroke and immediately called an ambulance. That call saved my life. I firmly believe that I would be in a nursing home or worse if she hadn’t made that call.

I was shocked when I was told that I had suffered a stroke. I was fit, and I didn’t have high blood pressure or cholesterol. But I was managing my AF without medication, and was not aware that if you have an irregular heart beat you are five times more likely to have a stroke.

I do now!

I am sharing my story for Atrial Fibrillation Week because I want to tell people that if you’re over 50 and your heart doesn’t beat in time like a clock, then you need to get it checked.