A DOCTOR is pleading for people with heart problems to have regular checks ups, or risk a stroke.

Dr Brian Houston says simple checks and medication can save lives.

People who have an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, and are not on warfarin tablets, are five times more likely to have a stroke.

The facts are stark. It is estimated 15 per cent of strokes are caused by an irregular heartbeat.

Strokes are serious and can be lethal – 110,000 people in England have a stroke every year and 11 per cent of deaths are caused by a stroke.

Twenty to 30 per cent of people who have a stroke die within a month.

Dr Houston, a GP for 28 years, said: “We have a very good stroke unit at Southend Hospital. However, lots of people who come to the stroke unit have atrial fibrillation.

“If you are not on warfarin and have had problems with an irregular heartbeat in the past, you should have it checked by your GP.

“You may also need an annual test to check the electrical activity of the heart. If this is abnormal you may need to take warfarin.

“Atrial fibrillation is more common as you get older, so it’s important people attend their annual health check, because locally we do a pulse check which can identify the problem.”

He also said it was important for people who had ever undergone cardio version, an electric shock to restore normal rhythm to the heart, even if it was a decade ago to have an annual electrocardiagram.

Strokes are the main cause of disability in adults and cost the NHS £7billion a year.

By getting checked the financial burden to the NHS and the effect on people’s lives will be reduced.

Dr Houston, who runs Highlands Surgery in Leigh, said: “This is something we can improve.

“We need people to be aware of the risks and to be checked out. It can potentially save lives all for a simple check by your GP.”