Arrhythmia specialist nurses
Our arrhythmia specialist nurses (ARNs) aim
to identify people presenting with arrhythmias in both emergency
and elective settings to ensure they receive accurate diagnosis,
effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Facts
- Atrial fibrillation(AF) affects 1.2%
of the population and £103 million of our healthcare budget is
spent on strokes attributable to AF. Our ARNs pick up many
undiagnosed AF patients who may potentially go on to suffer a
stroke, with devastating effects on their family and friends.
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
patientsand their families have ongoing support and knowledge needs
. Our ARNs run clinics to provide education, support and
reassurance, and practical advice on
travel and insurance.
The reports are available to order and
download from bhf.org.uk/publications.
Alex is an arrhythmia nurse
based in London and has been a BHF nurse for three years.
Alex has wanted to be a nurse since she was five years old.
"I get such satisfaction when helping
patients. It’s even more satisfying when you get such positive
feedback. It’s probably the most worthwhile job I’ve ever
done, but most probably the hardest.”
“Alex always reassures me, I can phone her
whenever I need to, before and after surgery. Alex always
explains everything about my condition really clearly and talks me
through it all step by step.”
"The leadership and financial support
given by the BHF has been the driving force that has realised the
vision of the Arrhythmia Alliance and Heart Rhythm UK, and built a
nationwide arrhythmia nursing programme."
Prapa Kanagaratnam, Consultant Cardiologist