Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy

Atrial Fibrillation Research Study

If you are aged 18 years or over you may be eligible for a free heart check!

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?

AF is the most common kind of irregular heart rhythm which means the heart has to work harder. Many people have this condition without knowing, placing them at increased risk of stroke and heart disease.

Why is the study being done?

This study is conducted in conjunction with the Atrial Fibrillation Association and aims to find out if trained pharmacy students can successfully use mobile and painless electrocardiogram (ECG) devices to accurately detect AF in individuals of South Asian origin. In order to encourage all individuals from the local community to participate, we are carrying out the screening at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend and have selected a research team fluent in Punjabi. Additional screening will also be carried out at the Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Sikh Temple (gurdwara) in Sheffield.

Why should I get my heartbeat checked?

If you are diagnosed with AF or another heart condition, you and your doctor will be able to decide on how to treat it. Your test results and views will also enable our study to determine how best to deliver and measure future screening programmes for AF amongst the individuals of South Asian origin.

How can I get involved?

First check that you are eligible to participate:

  • Are you an adult aged 18 or over?
  • Do you NOT have a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator?
  • Do you NOT have a terminal illness (e.g. cancer with life expectancy under 1 month)?

If you have answered yes to all the questions, then feel free to approach us at the stand within the Gurdwara between the 11th and 24th of November 2019 in Gravesend and on the 8th of March 2020 in Sheffield. Punjabi version of this webpage.

If you would like more information please review:

or grab one at our stand.

Contact details

For all queries regarding this study, please do not hesitate to contact:

The Pharmacists Detecting Atrial Fibrillation (PDAF) Study Team
Email: afstudy@kent.ac.uk
Tel: 01634 202935

Should you have any concerns, worries or complaints about the study, please contact:

Dr Trudy Thomas
Email: t.thomas@kent.ac.uk
Tel: 01634 888909

AF Association

For more information about AF, please visit:
www.afa.org.uk or www.afa-international.org or contact the AF Association:

AF Association®
Unit 6B Essex House
Cromwell Business Park
Chipping Norton
OX7 5SR
Tel: +44(0)1789 867502
Email: info@afa.org.uk