5 December 2017

Cardiac Physiologists check for heart rhythm disorders

Cardiac Physiologists from the Trust have been raising awareness of Atrial Fibrillation, or AF, a common heart rhythm disorder, at roadshows held during AF week, at Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne DGH.

Cardiac Physiologists Joel Reading, Billie-Jo Anderson and Helen Driver

Cardiac Physiologists Joel Reading, Billie-Jo Anderson and Helen Driver

Cardiac Physiologist Sarah Anderson, George Mills from Uckfield and Beth Jones

Cardiac Physiologist Sarah Anderson, George Mills from Uckfield and Beth Jones

Our Cardiac Physiologists held their roadshows in the main reception areas of the hospitals, offering people a simple test which involved holding a small device which can transmit a person’s heart rhythm, that is displayed on a mobile device. The Cardiac Physiologists were instantly able to identify if a person’s heart rhythm is normal or abnormal.

Dr Rick Veasey Consultant Cardiologist said: “Over one million people have been diagnosed with AF in the UK alone, although experts estimate that at least a third more remain undiagnosed. With an ageing population, this number is expected to double by 2050. During the week we saw about 100 people at each hospital and was able to pick up a number of people with a heart rhythm disorder and advise them to make an appointment with their GP for further investigation.”

The aim of the AF week was to focus on ‘Identifying the Undiagnosed Person with AF’ with a Detect, Protect, Correct and Perfect campaign.