Higher risk of stroke from common heart disease
Australians are being warned of a higher risk of stroke caused by the nation’s most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation.
Chest pain, a ‘racing’ or unusual heartbeat and shortness of breath are all symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF), which is responsible for an increasing number of hospital admissions in Australia. The exact causes of AF are still relatively unknown.
Cardiology researchers at the University of Adelaide are among the world’s experts in this field, led by Professor of Cardiology Prash Sanders, who is based at the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders at the University and the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Among the researchers in his team is University of Adelaide PhD student Carlee Schultz, who is investigating the mechanisms in AF that cause blood clots and therefore stroke.