Stroke body's heart warning

PEOPLE with an irregular heartbeat in the Lothians have been warned they could be at risk of having a stroke.

An advertising campaign to be broadcast across the area will highlight the dangers of atrial fibrillation.

The Stroke Association is urging people to seek advice if they suffer from the condition as part of the radio appeal.

Maddy Halliday, the charity's director in Scotland, said: "The majority of people recognise factors such as smoking and high blood pressure as risk factors for stroke, yet public awareness of atrial fibrillation as a risk factor is incredibly low.

"Key signs to look out for include your heart beating irregularly and very fast, shortness of breath and palpitations."