Justin Tomlinson MP, Honourary President of the Swindon British Heart Foundation
at a BHF event last year
Justin Tomlinson MP has today shown his support for the Atrial Fibrillation Association’s and All Party Parliamentary Group on Atrial Fibrillation’s campaign to raise awareness of the condition.
Atrial Fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder and can lead to a fivefold increase in stroke risk. Currently 1.5 million people are affected by AF in the UK and this number is set to double by 2050. Patients with primary or secondary diagnosis of AF occupy 5.7million bed days and cost the NHS £1.8billion each year. In addition to this it is estimated that over a million people suffer from AF but remain undiagnosed.
This year’s Heart Rhythm Week has seen people up and down the country working to improve AF awareness and empower patients to recognise the signs and symptoms of AF and access treatment. Those taking part arranged awareness events such as opportunistic pulse check sessions that helped people with heart rhythm disorders to access the appropriate information and support from healthcare professionals.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “It is really important that we raise awareness of AF to ensure that early diagnosis and effective treatment becomes the priority.”