MP SUPPORTS HEART RHYTHM WEEK 2012

Friday, 08 June 2012

John Pugh lent his support to Heart Rhythm Week 2012 (21st-27th May) by signing the Atrial Fibrillation (AF) pledge to help raise awareness of the importance of tackling AF so helping patients to recognise the signs of a potential heart rhythm disorder.

There are currently more than 5,000 cases of AF across Merseyside according to statistics held by the NHS. The pledge commits John to support the work of the Atrial Fibrillation Association in raising awareness of AF and ensuring that early diagnosis, appropriate management and effective treatment is a priority for the NHS.

John said: “I am pleased to be able to sign the Atrial Fibrillation Association pledge to help raise awareness of AF within Southport. Tony Blair’s case shows that problems caused by irregular heart rhythms can happen to anyone.

"AF is the most common heart rhythm disorder and is associated with a fivefold increase in stroke risk and costs the NHS £1.8billion per year. In 2010 alone 21 stroke deaths were attributed to AF across Sefton.

"It is important that we get on top of this problem and by signing this pledge, I commit to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of AF and to help empower patients to take their heart health in their hands."

The Atrial Fibrillation Association and Arrhythmia Alliance recently held Heart Rhythm Week 2012 where volunteers from across the country took part in a series of events designed to raise awareness about heart rhythm disorders. These included ‘know your pulse’ sessions which were held in public places such as shopping centres and were designed to encourage patients to self-diagnose whether they are suffering from an irregular pulse.

Trudie Lobban, Chief Executive of the AFA said: “We are delighted that John has signed the Atrial Fibrillation pledge which supports the ongoing work of the AFA to prioritise treatment for and raise awareness of AF.

"AF is one of the major causes of stroke and there are currently 1.5 million people affected across the UK. However one of the major difficulties associated with the condition is a lack of patient awareness and misdiagnosis that can allow many potentially fatal cases of AF to go untreated.

"In order to improve patient care and prevent stroke it is important that people are aware of the problems associated with an irregular pulse.”

Photo: John at Westminster signing the pledge.

For more information on the Atrial Fibrillation Association then please visit their website here: 
http://www.atrialfibrillation.org.uk/