World Heart Rhythm Week 7th June - 13th June 2021

[TracyAdmin]

Did you know? 🤔

500,000 people in the UK have undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation.

I’m raising awareness of arrhythmias, such as AF, during World Heart Rhythm Week. 💚

#ListenToYourHeart #WHRW2021

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[Paulbounce]

Tracy wrote

"500,000 people in the UK have undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation".

What ? That's scares me. The population of the UK is around the 70 million (ish). So working with the current population that's a lot of people at risk for stroke etc.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. When you go to the doc's surgery there's a screen you watch saying 'don't drink more than 14 unit's of beer a week' etc. Fair enough but why not have a quick flash of checking your pulse ? If in doubt your doctor could check this. It would only take a minute. Some types of afib might not show up then (PAF for example) but you'll be more aware and know what to look for.

Doing this would save lives and save the NHS money for treatment IMO.

Paul

[Cally53 in reply to Paulbounce]

I absolutely agree. When I go into my GP surgery I see there are a variety of health posters around the walls too, but there isn't one regarding checking your pulse.

[Paulbounce in reply to Cally53]

Sure Cally. Pharmacists could also get involved - there's a screen at my pharmacist which you watch when queuing. It wouldn't take much to flash up something about checking your pulse and the reason why.

500,000 is far to many at risk in my book. The most effective way to address the issue would be a TV campaign. However there is the little problem of cost of course !

I'm sure if GP surgeries worked together awareness could be improved and lives saved.

Paul