The British Heart Foundation says the number of people with atrial fibrillation has topped 1.5million for the first time – and at least 270,000 more are unaware they have the condition.
The number of people in the UK diagnosed with a heart rhythm condition that puts them at increased risk of having a stroke has topped 1.5 million for the first time.
The British Heart Foundation said its analysis of NHS data on atrial fibrillation – which causes an irregular heartbeat – showed there had been an “astonishing” 50% rise in cases from a total of one million in 2013.
The latest figure means one in 45 people in the UK are now confirmed to have the condition – but the charity fears a further 270,000 people remain undiagnosed and unaware.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm.
Without treatment it can significantly increase the risk of a blood clot forming inside the heart, which in turn means someone is five times more likely to have a fatal or life-changing stroke.