Thousands of Australians at Risk of Severe Stroke from Undetected Common Condition

A rising number of Australians may be living with a serious heart condition capable of causing severe and potentially life-threatening strokes—without even realising it.

Researchers are now working to demonstrate that the condition can be identified early, before it leads to major complications.

Known as Atrial fibrillation (AF), the condition disrupts the heart’s rhythm and significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and has also been associated with dementia.

Every day, six Australians die due to AF but symptoms can be vague, like breathlessness and a racing heart.

It’s one of the most common heart conditions in Australia and its prevalence in Aussies aged 55-plus is projected to double over the next 20 years.

More than half a million Aussies currently live with it, but many more people may have undiagnosed cases that won’t be detected until a stroke occurs.

“These strokes tend to be at the worst end of the spectrum, devastating strokes that incapacitate and cause people to need chronic care,” Freedman said.

“These are really the worst sort of strokes that you want to do without [and] I think we will prevent them.”

Despite the concerning statistics, there’s currently no national screening program for AF.

Freedman, alongside researchers from the Heart Research Institute (HRI) and the University of Sydney, is trying to change that.

They’re running the world’s largest clinical trial investigating whether systematic screening for AF can prevent stroke and so far things look promising.

More than 600 Australians aged over 70 across NSW, WA and Tasmania have already taken part in the trial.

Participants used a handheld ECG device at home to check their heart rhythm four times a day for three weeks.

A number of previously undiagnosed cases of AF have been identified; cases that likely would have remained undetected until a stroke hit, if not for trial screening.

However, the government is not yet prepared to roll out the screening trial at a national level.

“The government’s position is that if we can demonstrate a reduction in stroke cases and prove the program is cost-effective, it will consider funding it,” Freedman explained. “It’s not enough for it to seem like a good idea—it must be backed by clear evidence.”

Researchers from the Heart Research Institute (HRI) and the University of Sydney are working to provide that proof through ongoing studies.

Freedman said the goal is to protect older Australians from debilitating strokes, while also reducing the emotional and financial burden on families who support affected individuals.

Lowering the number of strokes linked to atrial fibrillation could also help ease pressure on nursing homes and aged care facilities, where many stroke patients require long-term care.

The trial is expected to continue for another three years, after which researchers hope the government will support a nationwide screening program, similar to existing breast and bowel cancer screening initiatives.