Finger on the pulse

It's Arrhythmia Awareness Week this week and that's important because arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms affect more than 1 million people in the UK.

Did you know that arrhythmias are one of the top ten reasons for hospital admissions? You're probably surprised. But we're not, which is why we fund and support 43 BHF arrhythmia specialist nurses who aim to improve care for patients and their families with heart rhythm disorders.

So how do you know if you have an arrhythmia? Well some common arrhythmias can cause dizzyness, fainting or tiredness. But some arrhythmias cause no symptoms at all.

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and can have no symptoms but can be detected by performing a regular pulse check.

Find out more about heart rhythms

Find out how to do a pulse check

Tell us if you've suffered from a cardiac arrhythmia and if you think there's a need for better awareness? Post a comment today.