Know your pulse to know your heart rhythm – it could save your life

Trudie Lobban MBE

Founder & CEO, Arrhythmia Alliance and AF Association

Over 1.6 million people in the UK are diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF). Another 500,000 have yet to be diagnosed. Living with AF increases your risk of stroke.

Without a diagnosis, you are at high risk of an AF-related stroke, which is often fatal. Yet, how many people realise that it is as important to know that your heart is in rhythm as it is to know your heart rate?

AF-related stroke

A deadly cause of stroke is atrial fibrillation – the most common irregular heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia).

AF is so simple to detect. A manual pulse check or use of the latest apps on your watch or mobile phone can detect an irregular heart rhythm. The sooner you detect and seek a diagnosis, the greater the chance of receiving anticoagulation therapy to reduce the risk of AF-related stroke.

The sooner you detect and seek a diagnosis,
the greater the chance of receiving
anticoagulation therapy to reduce
the risk of AF-related stroke.

Pulse field ablation

It is also important to be aware of and access the latest treatment options. Most recently, NICE have approved Pulse Field Ablation (PFA), which, in studies, has proven to have the greatest success rates for people with an early diagnosis following the onset of AF and speedy PFA treatment.

PFA can be performed under local sedation, takes less time than regular ablation techniques, and for many, they can return home the same day. Less time in hospital saves costs to the NHS. Importantly, early treatment with PFA has shown that for many, their hearts are restored to a normal rhythm, and they can lead active lives once again without the fear of AF-related stroke, heart failure and other side effects of AF.