(The correct date for this is April 25. An incorrect date was reported earlier.)
TRURO, NS
Truro doctors will be sharing some life-saving information during a community presentation this month.
On Wednesday, April 25, from 4 to 5 p.m., Dr. Masis Perk and Dr. Kris Srivatsa will be in the Millbrook Room of the Rath-Eastlink Community Centre to speak about atrial fibrillation.
“This is about cardiac rhythm,” said Perk, who is a cardiology specialist. “Atrial fibrillation is the medical term. People also describe it as quivering of the heart, erratic rhythm and fluttering of the heart.
“Chambers are not beating in harmony and blood may become stagnant in crevices, and clots form. They can travel to the brain. That is a common cause of strokes.”
He said this is becoming more common, with a growing elderly population and people with heart conditions living longer, and they would like to educate the community.
“Everybody knows about cholesterol and keeping active, but not about atrial fibrillation,” added Perk. “About 15 per cent of people of retired years would have this on and off, or permanently.
“For people with heart conditions – heart attacks, stents, bypass surgery – it can be overwhelming to understand things. We will explain things in plain language.”
The education event is open to those who have atrial fibrillation and those who just want to be informed. Pre-registration is not necessary, but provides a chance to win a door prize. To register, call Debbie Crawford at 902-893-5554, extension 42223 or [email protected].