Dangerous heart rhythm disorder now affects more than a million people, with nearly 100,000 in the East of England and sufferers five times more likely to have a stroke.

More than a million people in the UK now live with atrial fibrillation (AF), including 99,388 in the East of England.

AF is a dangerous heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke five-fold, according to new figures from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The data, released as part of the BHF’s Ramp up the Red fundraising campaign for heart research, shows the UK has for the first time topped the million mark for the number of people living with the heart rhythm disorder.

Atrial fibrillation causes an irregular, sometimes fast pulse because electrical impulses controlling the heart’s natural rhythm lose coordination.

Over the past five years, the number of people with atrial fibrillation has rocketed by nearly 20% with over 1 million now diagnosed with the condition.

High blood pressure, heart valve disease and binge drinking are among the causes, which can leave sufferers experiencing palpitations, and feeling faint and breathless. However, some people with the condition have no symptoms at all.

If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can significantly increase the risk of a blood clot forming inside the chambers of the heart, which makes the risk of a stroke five five times more likely.


“Checking that your pulse is regular is a simple way of seeing if you’re at risk. But only through research can we tackle this dangerous disorder and prevent its devastating consequences. That’s why we’re encouraging people in the East of England to take part in our Ramp up the Red campaign to raise money for life-saving research.”

The rising figure is in part down to the UK’s ageing population. Drinking excess alcohol including binge drinking - is another risk factor that can increase your chance of developing atrial fibrillation over time.

BHF is urging you to go as red as your dare and organise a Ramp up the Red party with friends, families and colleagues on February 7 to raise vital funds for life-saving heart research.

To order a free fundraising pack, visit bhf.org.uk/red or call 0800 0316 316 to sign up today.