Check Your Pulse, AmericaTM
More than two million Americans have atrial fibrillation (AF). In many cases, AF can go undetected because there may not be symptoms that present themselves with this condition. As a risk factor for stroke, it is important that AF is diagnosed and treated appropriately to reduce the risk for stroke.
Check Your Pulse, AmericaTM (CYPA) is an initiative developed by Kaleida Health neurologist, Frederick E. Munschauer, III, M.D. to increase public awareness of AF and its medical consequences. Sponsored by the Vascular Disease Prevention Research Center (VDPRC) of Kaleida Health and the National Stroke Association (NSA), CYPA is designed to teach self-screening for an irregular heartbeat which may indicate AF.
Like breast self examination, people can be taught to check their pulse to see if AF is present. Once identified and properly treated, the risk of stroke caused by AF may be reduced by as much as 70%.
To learn how you can perform this simple self-screening technique you can do to help detect AF for you and others, please please visit the National Stroke Association and DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company Cardioliving websites.