A new report from the Heart Research Institute (HRI), reveals screening for both hypertension and an irregular heart beat in regular medical checks could prevent thousands of strokes, heart failure cases, and potentially even dementia.
The Frontiers paper from the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration led by Professor Ben Freedman OAM, published in the prestigious American Heart Association journal, Circulation, highlights the strong link between hypertension (high blood pressure) and atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition where the heart beats irregularly or rapidly, which are two of the most significant risk factors for stroke.
Despite their connection, AF is not routinely screened in the same way as hypertension, meaning many cases go undetected until it is too late, something Professor Freedman, who is group leader of HRI's Heart Rhythm and Stroke Prevention Group, wants to urgently change.
"Hypertension and atrial fibrillation are dangerous bedfellows-one leads to the other, and together they significantly increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia," said Professor Freedman.
"The combination of high blood pressure and AF is a ticking time bomb. A simple pulse check or an irregular heartbeat alert on a blood pressure monitor could mean the difference between early treatment and a life-altering stroke."
The study emphasises that hypertension is more than just a common condition among AF patients, rather it actually contributes to the development of AF. Controlling high blood pressure early could significantly reduce the likelihood of AF developing, ultimately lowering the risk of serious heart and brain complications.
"We already know AF increases the risk of stroke fivefold, but there's also growing evidence linking it to dementia, this makes early detection even more critical."
AF is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder and a leading cause of stroke, yet it is often asymptomatic and remains undiagnosed until a serious medical event occurs. Individuals with AF are up to five times more likely to experience a stroke.
Detecting AF is straightforward and can be done using:
- Pulse checks - A simple 30-second check to detect an irregular heartbeat.
- Blood pressure monitors with irregular heartbeat alerts - Many modern devices already have this feature.
- Handheld ECG devices - Small, portable monitors that detect AF in under a minute.
"By incorporating an AF check into routine blood pressure screenings, we could identify at-risk patients early, put them on appropriate treatment, and save lives."
Professor Ben Freedman spoke to journalist Stephen Lunn from The Australian about this breakthrough research, also opening up about his own stroke 18 months ago.
"I am glad I knew about the link between high blood pressure and haemorrhagic stroke, so I pushed for intravenous drugs to quickly get my blood pressure down to avoid further damage," he said
Freedman says he feels "very lucky", having initially lost his visual field to the left, but has since made a complete recovery and at 75 doesn't plan to stop his research anytime soon.
In the media
A 30-second pulse check could prevent more strokes. So why don't we do it? The Australian, 10 April, 2025. Read
About Professor Ben Freedman OAM
Professor Ben Freedman OAM is Director of External Affairs at the Heart Research Institute and a world-leading expert in atrial fibrillation, stroke prevention, and cardiovascular health.
He is Honorary Professor of Cardiology at The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, former head of Department of Cardiology, Concord Hospital and an adjunct professor in the School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine at Monash University, and Honorary Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne.
In 2011 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to medicine as a clinician, educator and researcher.
In 2015 he formed the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration, now hosted by the Heart Research Institute and has 250 members from 40 countries, including many of the foremost names in atrial fibrillation (AF) research.
In 2023 he was awarded the prestigious NSW Ministerial Award for Cardiovascular Research Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contribution and life-long commitment to cardiovascular research.
