Arrhythmia Alliance

Arrhythmia Alliance is a coalition of patient groups, charities, professional medical organisations and industry groups that works to promote the timely diagnosis and effective management of arrhythmias. By raising awareness and campaigning for the improved detection and care of heart rhythm disorders, Arrhythmia Alliance aims to extend and improve the lives of the millions around the world that these conditions affect. Arrhythmia Alliance was launched in 2004 at the start of the first Arrhythmia Awareness Week in Westminster to raise awareness and highlight the deficiencies in the treatment and care of arrhythmia sufferers. A-A has established a respected relationship with government, and the result is a significant and vital change in government policy. The charity was fundamental in pushing through one of the most essential policy issues to affect cardiology and cardiac patients, resulting in the inclusion of a new Chapter on Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in the National Service Framework (NSF). Before lobbying began, the word ‘arrhythmia’ was mentioned only once in the NSF for Coronary Heart Disease; there were no guidelines dictating diagnosis, treatment or care for those with heart rhythm disorders relating to the ‘electrics’ of the heart. A-A is now influencing government with lobbying efforts to make pulse checks a standard procedure for all doctor appointment visits in the UK.