AN  innovative service to improve detection and treatment of the most common heart rhythm abnormality is now available in Hillingdon.

The service, called Capture AF, involves community pharmacists doing a free heart rhythm check using a handheld ECG monitor.

They can refer patients with possible AF (atrial fibrillation) to the care team at Harefield Hospital.

The aim is to reduce the number of strokes, which can be a devastating consequence of AF.

In a trial, 10 pharmacies in Hillingdon screened 600 patients and referred 15 to Harefield with undiagnosed AF.

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The service is available at Sharmans Pharmacy, Northwood; Ross Pharmacy, Northwood; Carters Pharmacy, Eastcote; Carters Chemist, Northwood; Eastcote Pharmacy; Harefield Pharmacy; Village Pharmacy, Harlington; Mango Pharmacy; Ruislip Manor Pharmacy; Yiewsley Pharmacy; PickUp Pharmacy; Phillips Pharmacy; Oakleigh Pharmacy; Vantage Pharmacy; Howletts Pharmacy; Carewell Chemist; Tesco Pharmacy, Bulls Bridge; Puri Pharmacy; Garners Pharmacy; Adell Pharmacy.

The team wants to recruit more pharmacies. Anyone interested should contact Zainab Khanbhai who is leading the project.