Because the health impacts can be significant, a sizable proportion of Canadians believe they would be worse off surviving a stroke than to die from one.
Conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of Stroke Survivors Association of Ottawa, approximately 25 per cent of Ontarians believe enduring the health impacts that can result after suffering a stroke would be too much to bear. As such, they indicate dying from one would be preferable.
In addition, the survey also found that one-third - 34 per cent - stated they would rather lose a limb than endure the effects of a stroke.
But the most noteworthy of findings to take away from the study, according to the source, is Canadians' apparent lack of knowledge about atrial fibrillation.
As the source describes the condition, atrial fibrillation is something that some 100,000 Ontarians live with, which is a cardiac condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly. If not properly treated, it can lead to severe stroke incidents. But according to the survey, less than four in 10 Canadians understand its link to stroke.
Janet McTaggart, executive director of the Stroke Survivors Association of Ottawa, said Canadians' lack of awareness is a sobering reality.
"Ontarians are right to be frightened by the effects of a stroke - but what concerns me more is the widespread lack of awareness about conditions like AF, and thereby the lack of action people are taking to protect themselves from the strokes it can cause," said McTaggart.
According to the source, the risk of AF rises with each decade after the age of 55. If diagnosed with the condition, people are three to five times more likely to have a stroke, costing the Ontario health care system $700 million annually.
"It's clear that Ontarians are fearful of the effects of a stroke," said Michael Sharma, medical director of the regional stroke program at Ottawa Hospital. "Taking action is what will make a difference."
He added that if Canadians had a better understanding of AF, they would be more likely to broach the topic with their doctors so that they can learn more about the issue and what they can do to prevent it.
In an effort to educate more Canadians about AF, a report was recently published by the Centre for Innovation and Complex Care at the University Health Network. Titled "Reconnecting the Pieces to Optimize Care in Atrial Fibrillation," the white paper provides information on how AF is being treated, how it impacts those afflicted with it and the impact it has on health care costs.
Because the economic costs of heart conditions can be so significant, 85 per cent of Canadians believe the federal government should become more involved in the future of health care, according to a recent poll conducted by the Heart and Stroke of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.
"The federal government must stay connected to the health care process," said Dan Demers, director of public issues for the CCS. "Engagement with the provinces and territories is crucial to ensure all Canadians have equal access to high-quality health care."
Symptoms of AF include dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and chest pain.
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