Community pharmacies in North East London are helping to save lives by taking part in a groundbreaking new blood pressure and heart rhythm monitoring campaign this month. As many as 135 pharmacy teams began offering the free heart checks during Arrhythmia Alliance’s World Heart Rhythm Week (2-6 June), after attending training sessions on using the testing equipment and targeting suitable patients. The check involves a blood pressure reading, as well as a heart rhythm recording to detect signs of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation.

“This is a groundbreaking service because it combines the latest mobile health technology and the latest blood pressure testing devices to screen for both high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation,” North East London LPC member Bhavin Patel told TM. “It also demonstrates pharmacy’s capability to provide clinical and screening services.”

The initiative is being promoted in the local press and through social media, while data will be collected and independently assessed by experts at the University of Hertfordshire.