Fife puts best foot forward in identifying common heart rhythm problem

Teams in Fife are helping to detect signs of a common heart rhythm problem by checking people’s feet!

Fife’s Podiatry Service is now helping to detect signs of atrial fibrillation at their routine patient appointments.

By including the simple step of checking a patients pulse in their feet, they’ve already helped 15 Fifers receive an early diagnosis and treatment for heart conditions. 

Atrial fibrillation is a common irregular heart rhythm (also called an arrhythmia).

Although it is not usually life threatening, the presence of atrial fibrillation increases a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke and so identification means that treatment can be started as soon as possible.  In addition, some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms and will not even be aware they have an irregular heartbeat.

This can be dangerous, as around one in five strokes is linked to undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.

National plans have highlighted the importance of early detection and stress the importance of reaching people who might not regularly visit their GP.

Sharon Wiener-Ogilvie, Podiatry Head of Service, Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, explained: “As part of our focus towards prevention and early intervention, during routine appointments, we use a small handheld Doppler device to check a patient’s foot pulse.

“If the podiatrist finds a pulse pattern that indicates a potential for atrial fibrillation, staff refer patients straight to the ECG Department at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, for further checks.

“By working together with NHS Fife’s Cardiology team in this way, we are reducing delays and making the process much smoother for patients.

“For each of these people, early diagnosis could mean avoiding a life‑changing stroke.

“It’s also a great example of prevention in action and how small changes can make a big difference to the health of people in our communities.”