Sudden Cardiac Death is the number one killer in the UK

Drickus Maartens • June 2, 2020
World Heart Rhythm Week, the brainchild of Arrhythmia Alliance, is highlighting the importance of knowing and understanding our heart rhythms. As many are aware, this year will be quite different for us all. Due to the Coronavirus and recent government regulations, we are encouraging supporters to get involved online and spread awareness. Arrhythmia Alliance World Heart Rhythm Week will be held from 1 - 7 June. We are asking the public and healthcare professionals to support our mission to raise awareness of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) on all social media platforms. Supporters can host online awareness events as well as share, promote and spread the word on social media. 
  
Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm disorder) is the number one killer in the UK and causes up to 100,000 sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) each year killing more people than breast cancer, lung cancer and Aids combined. 80% of these deaths could be avoided if more people were aware of their heart rhythm (and not just their heart rate). Something as simple as Knowing Your Pulse to Know Your Heart Rhythm, can save your life or reduce your risk of a debilitating or life-threatening Atrial Fibrillation (AF) related stroke – the most severe type of stroke. It only takes 30 seconds. It’s so simple that people of all ages, young and old, can learn how to do it.

Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and Trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance stated that, “During these unprecedented times, it is vital that we all take charge of our health and encourage others to do the same. Arrhythmias cause more deaths worldwide than cancer, affecting anyone of any age, yet we choose to ignore the most important organ in our body – our heart. Our key message this year is Don’t Miss A Beat. We are asking people to ‘listen’ to your heart – is the rhythm too fast? Is it too slow? Is the rhythm irregular? That may be your heart telling you something is wrong. With the introduction of mobile EKGs apps and smartwatches, there really is no excuse why everyone should not be aware of their heart rhythm.”

Why it is important to Know Your Pulse 
  • Arrhythmias cause up to 100,000 sudden cardiac deaths in the UK each year – over 250 every day, more than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined.
  • Sudden cardiac death (SCD) and arrhythmia account for 15–20 % of all deaths worldwide. 
To find out how to ‘Know Your Pulse’ call us for information or visit www.knowyourpulse.org to learn in 4 easy steps.
Arrhythmia Alliance has a team ready to hear from people who are concerned. If you have questions or would like more information, please call today. A simple call could save your life and those of your loved ones.

“Don’t Miss A Beat”
Join Arrhythmia Alliance on Wednesday 3 June 2020. We will be holding an Arrhythmia Alliance World Heart Rhythm Week Arrhythmia Patient Q&A Day across our social media. We aim to educate as many people as possible about arrhythmias and help arrhythmia patients understand more about their condition. Between 9am and 5pm a new question and answer will be posted each hour and EXCLUSIVE videos with world renowned doctors and professors will be uploaded throughout the day. For more, visit our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages below:
Facebook: @ArrhythmiaAlliance Instagram: @KnowYourPulse Twitter: @ArrhythmiaAlliance

For more information on Arrhythmia Alliance and how to get involved in World Heart Rhythm Week visit www.worldheartrhythmweek.org
Lisa Hawksworth(left) and Zasskia Wiese
October 30, 2025
In a breakthrough for African healthcare, Netcare Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg and Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital in Cape Town have become the first healthcare facilities in southern Africa, and among the first on the African continent, to receive World Stroke Organization (WSO) certification.
Dr Mokgohloe Phasha, obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN)
October 27, 2025
“Before stopping contraception, there are a few things that couples should be informed about that could profoundly influence the future of the child they are planning for,” says Dr Mokgohloe Phasha, an obstetrician-gynaecologist (OB-GYN) practising at Netcare Park Lane Hospital.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 10, 2025
Breast cancer doesn’t only affect women—men can be affected too. Recognising the early signs can save lives, and today’s advanced diagnostics and cutting-edge treatments offer more hope than ever before.
Research indicates that black African men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer
September 26, 2025
Regular screening a must for better outcomes
Pulmonary fibrosis
September 10, 2025
Dr Shikar Mothilal, respiratory specialist, explains how pulmonary fibrosis affects lung function and why early intervention matters.
Cervical cancer continues to take too many lives in South Africa
August 29, 2025
HPV prevention saves lives and eases healthcare burdens. “Everyone benefits when more women are vaccinated,” says Dr Nono Ledwaba-Mweli.
The importance of sleep during pregnancy
August 20, 2025
Obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Mokgohloe Phasha stresses the importance of sleep during pregnancy.
The brave ten-year-old Alondwe Ngwenya
August 14, 2025
Ten-year-old Alondwe Ngwenya was, until recently, a child set apart by large, painful tumours disfiguring one side of his face and his foot, holding him back from his greatest passion in life: soccer.
Dr Muhammed Ra’ees Vally reveals why kids are prone to ear infections and shares key tips
August 10, 2025
Dr Muhammed Ra’ees Vally explains why children are more susceptible to ear infections and shares tips on recognising the signs and preventing complications.
August 1, 2025
“Mould exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor environments, can lead to a variety of health symptoms — especially for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems,” warns Dr Raisa Bhikoo, a pulmonologist and specialist physician.
More Posts