Your Heart in Your Hands 
When someone becomes uncomfortably aware of their heart beating, it is often described as experiencing a palpitation, or 'palpitations'. The sensation may be awareness of isolated single beats that are different from normal, or may be associated with a feeling that the heart is beating abnormally fast or irregularly. Such sensations can occur due to normal variations in the heart rhythm, but can also indicate the presence of an abnormal heart rhythm - an 'arrhythmia'.
Heart rhythm problems are a leading cause of symptoms and the most common cause of sudden death in the UK today. Each year, 100,000 people in the UK die from sudden cardiac arrest, killing more people than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined. Despite this, very few doctors are trained to identify and treat arrhythmias, and very few people are aware that an electrical problem with the heart can usually be treated safely and effectively.
This year's theme for the annual Awareness Week is Your Heart in Your Hands; encouraging people to seek advice for symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder. During Heart Rhythm Week 2012, we want to raise awareness of the importance of patient empowerment in recognising symptoms of arrhythmia and talking to their health care professional about a diagnosis.
If you suffer from symptoms of an arrhythmia there are plenty of resources to help you:
The Arrhythmia Checklist
Blackouts? Palpitations? Dizziness? Shortness of breath?
Do you or a member of your family experience any of the above symptoms?
The Arrhythmia Checklist is designed to help you and your doctor determine whether or not you suffer from a heart rhythm problem (cardiac arrhythmia) and help to ensure you get the best medical advice and treatment.
View here
The Palpitation Checklist
If you experience palpitations this checklist is designed to help you and your doctor determine whether they might be symptomatic of a heart rhythm disorder.
There are a small number of uncommon types of arrhythmias which can be dangerous and need to be treated promptly.
The Palpitation Checklist provides a list of questions for you to answer before seeing your doctor, to help identify which type of palpitation is occurring and help to ensure you get the best medical advice and (if necessary) treatment..
View here
The Pulse Check Guide
Take your pulse in 30 seconds
This resource includes guidance on what the pulse is, what it means, when people should take it, and what pulse rates require further investigation from a GP.
The Pulse Check Guide is suitable for anyone with an interest in their personal health.
Working with Government
In light of the current changes to the NHS, Heart Rhythm Week provides a great opportunity to raise awareness in government about our work and to promote a stronger patient voice.
Read more about our work with government and the December Know Your Pulse Campaign Parliamentary Reception here.
