26 September 2018
Islanders who want to check their heart health at their convenience are being urged to take the chance to get a free heart check this week as part of World Heart Day.
There are two opportunities to have a free heart rhythm check as part of World Heart Day and the screening events are in partnership with the Jersey branch of the British Heart Foundation.
- on Friday 28 September, nurses from the Jersey heart team will be doing heart rhythm checks in St Helier Town Hall from 9am-4pm
- on Saturday 29 September nurses from the Jersey heart team will be doing heart rhythm checks at the Grande Marche, St Peter from 9am-4pm
The screening events aim to detect heart rhythm irregularities and prevent stroke. No booking is needed at the sessions.
In addition, Islanders will have the opportunity to experience a new digital health heart technology being evaluated in Jersey by the team from Belfast based B-Secur.
Dr Andrew Mitchell, consultant cardiologist at the General Hospital said: “World Heart Day presents a great opportunity for islanders to fit a free heart check with our amazing team of heart nurses into their day. It only takes a couple of minutes and could be a valuable opportunity to make sure you are fit and healthy. If anyone does have any issues, our highly trained teams can immediately offer advice. The checks are always popular and we hope that people make the most of them.”
One in four of us will have a heart rhythm problem and a simple check like the ones on offer can flag up any possible problems.”
“Experiencing palpitations, feeling faint or short of breath can all be symptoms of a heart rhythm disorder,” explained Dr Mitchell. “A heart rhythm disorder (cardiac arrhythmia) is when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. Although symptoms alone do not mean you have a heart rhythm disorder, if your symptoms are persistent or uncomfortable, you should talk to your doctor.”
“Regarding digital technology, many health companies are realising that Jersey is the perfect place to test and innovate in healthcare in keeping with Digital Jersey’s #sandboxjersey concept. This then provides patients and staff with early access to new health technologies.”
Amy O’ Brien, fundraising manager for the British Heart Foundation in the Channel Islands, said: “Having a heart check is a great start to get a steer on your heart health. As a charity we work to raise the profile of heart disease and other heart issues which can be avoided. We’re really pleased to support this event and look forward to seeing lots of islanders at the free heart checks in both locations.”
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