An Ilkley GP practice has received an award for its work in helping detect and prevent over 65s suffering strokes.

For three months, staff at the Ilkley Moor Medical Practice, led by Dr Graeme Summers, screened more than 1,000 patients to detect atrial fibrillation.

If untreated, the condition can lead to strokes, but after carrying out the tests, doctors at the practice believe they have prevented at least four strokes over a ten-year period.

Meanwhile, one patient was also diagnosed as needing a pacemaker and ten new cases of atrial fibrillation were discovered.

Cardiac nurse specialist Caroline Moyles invited patients with the condition back to the practice after their test for further evaluation and, if necessary, treatment.

“The early detection of atrial fibrillation is a very valuable preventative strategy,” Dr Summers said.

“Patients are often symptom-free so this study has been invaluable in the prevention of stroke. Medication can control the heart rate and sometimes restore the normal heart rhythm.

“The most important intervention is thinning the blood using Warfarin to prevent stroke.”

A team of nurses and support staff carried out the simple and painless test at the practice, in Springs Lane.

The practice received the award for its work from City Diagnostics, a healthcare company carrying out similar tests across the country.