Australians are not on the "PULSE": The heart condition only 2% of Australians can correctly identify the key signs of
Hearts4heart
- New research reveals only 2% of Australians can correctly identify the four key signs of atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart rhythm condition associated with one in four strokes.1,2
- An estimated half a million Australians are living with AF, an irregular pulse or heartbeat that puts them at increased risk of stroke.2,3
- Hearts4heart is launching PULSE, a simple acronym to help Australians recognise the key signs of AF and understand the potential impact.
Monday 21 September 2026: This Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week, leading heart health charity Hearts4heart is launching PULSE, a new national awareness acronym, in response to latest research revealing significant gaps in Australians’ recognition of atrial fibrillation (AF) and understanding of its potentially serious consequences.
AF is a heart rhythm condition in which the heart beats abnormally and does not pump blood as regularly or efficiently as it should.3 It is estimated to affect more than half a million Australians and can increase the risk of stroke.2,3
New research* commissioned by Hearts4heart revealed just 2% of Australian adults can correctly identify all four key AF signs – a pounding or racing heartbeat, unusual tiredness, light-headedness or dizziness, and skipped or fluttering beats.1
AF can cause blood to pool in the heart and form clots, which may travel to the brain and cause a stroke.2 One in four strokes are attributed to AF, and these are generally among the most debilitating cases.2 Awareness of that risk is also low, with less than half (41%) of Australians knowing an irregular heartbeat can increase their risk of stroke.1
Tanya Hall, CEO and Founder of Hearts4heart, said the findings highlight an urgent need to make the signs of AF easier for Australians to recognise and remember.
“It’s incredibly concerning that only two per cent of Australians over the age of 18 can correctly identify the four key signs of atrial fibrillation. People may recognise a racing heart as something to pay attention to, but AF can present in less obvious ways too. Symptoms such as unusual tiredness or feeling light-headed can be easy to dismiss as a busy lifestyle.
“That’s why we’re launching PULSE with Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week. It gives Australians a simple way to remember the signs, become more familiar with their own pulse and recognise when something may need further attention,” said Ms Hall.
PULSE is a simple acronym to help Australians recognise the key signs of AF and understand why they matter:
P – Pounding or racing heartbeat
U – Unusual tiredness
L – Light-headed or dizzy spells
S – Skipped or fluttering beats
E – Elevated stroke risk if untreated
The research also revealed that recognising a symptom may not necessarily translate into action.
While 65% of Australians recognise a pounding or racing heartbeat as a possible sign of AF, only 21% say they would see a GP or healthcare professional as soon as possible if their heart suddenly began racing or pounding for no obvious reason.1
More than one in three (36%) would instead wait to see whether the symptom recurred or resolved before seeking medical advice.1
Australians also lack confidence when it comes to checking their own heartbeat, with only around one in four (27%) saying they feel confident checking their pulse for an irregular heartbeat.1
Cardiologist and best-selling author, Dr Warrick Bishop, said improving awareness of AF symptoms and encouraging Australians to become more familiar with their pulse could help people recognise when something may require medical attention.
“Atrial fibrillation can affect people in different ways. Some may experience an obvious racing or pounding heartbeat, while others may notice more subtle symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness or fluttering beats. Some people may experience no symptoms at all.
“Early detection is important because AF can increase the risk of serious complications, including stroke. Becoming familiar with your pulse and knowing the signs to look out for can help you recognise when something has changed and prompt a conversation with your healthcare professional.”
Ms Hall said Hearts4heart hopes PULSE will give Australians a practical reminder they can continue to use beyond Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week (21-27 September).
“We want Australians to remember PULSE as a simple way to spot the key signs of atrial fibrillation and understand why acting early matters. If something doesn’t feel right, speak to a GP or healthcare professional about your symptoms and heart health,” Ms Hall said.
Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week is a national Hearts4heart campaign raising awareness of AF symptoms, diagnosis and complications, and highlighting the importance of early detection to reduce the risk of stroke and improve patient outcomes.
To learn more about PULSE, atrial fibrillation and how to check your pulse, visit www.hearts4heart.org.au.
-ENDS-
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
|
Roberta Sowden Palin Communications 0418 842 104 |
Annabel Pender Palin Communications 0420 797 363 |
About hearts4heart
Hearts4heart is a non-profit organisation that supports, educates, and advocates for people with heart disease in Australia and New Zealand. Hearts4heart works to eliminate stroke and preventable deaths and improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Bringing together patients and healthcare professionals to reduce the burden of heart disease, Hearts4heart provides targeted educational programs, resources, and services to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. To find out more visit www.hearts4heart.org.au
*About the nationally representative survey
The data by Raw Data - MediaCast Pty Ltd - Atrial Fibrillation (A-95551) Aug'26 was carried out on a sample of 1,009 Australians in August 2026. The data sample swas weighted against Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data for age, gender and location using an online survey that was independently conducted and verified by PureProfile.
References
- Data on file
- Stroke Foundation. 2025. Retrieved from https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/prevent-stroke/atrial-fibrillation#:~:text=Atrial%20fibrillation%20is%20associated%20with,no%20family%20history%20of%20it
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. December 2024. Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/all-heart-stroke-and-vascular-disease/atrial-fibrillation
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Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Week
