Pumping Marvellous

Guest Blog – AF Association (Part 3 of 3)

Atrial Fibrillation Association

So who are the Atrial Fibrillation Association?

The Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) is a UK registered charity that focuses on raising awareness of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) by providing information and support materials for patients and medical professionals involved in detecting, diagnosing and managing Atrial Fibrillation. There is now also a sister charity in the US, Atrial Fibrillation Association USA.

AFA works closely with medical professionals, Department of Health, government, NHS Trusts, PCTs, patients, carers, patient support group members and allied groups.

All information booklets published by AFA have been approved by an AF medical panel and endorsed by the Department of Health. The booklets currently available include titles on: Cardioversion of AF, Drug Treatments for AF, Blood Thinning for AF, two Checklists and an AF Patient Information booklet. They are downloadable from the AFA website.

AFA aims to provide support and information on Atrial Fibrillation to those affected by this condition; to advance the education of the medical profession and the general public on the subject of Atrial Fibrillation and to promote research into the management of condition.

The charity is involved in several campaigns for AF and heart rhythm disorders including World Heart Rhythm Week, ACT on AF and Know Your Pulse.

Its website, www.afa-international.org provides a wealth of information for patients and professionals including links to UK and international AF specialists.

Let’s hit the target

As I drove into the Royal Blackburn Hospital and parked up I thought that Pumping Marvellous needed Anti-Coagulation support as I know alot of you out there are on some form of Anti-Coagulation and would probably like to know more about it.

Anyway after hitting my INR of 2.8 which generated a yipeee down the corridor as I really put effort into being within range I have asked Sister Maggs who is actually become a good friend, to help support the patients and pumping marvellous. She has agreed to recieving emails of which she will answer questions on anti-coagulation and especially warfarin management. We will be adding a link to the site to help you communicate with Maggs.

We will also try and bring the Pharmacy into the fold so you can ask questions about your prescribed drugs.

As always we are trying to stay innovative and focussed on bringing targetted patient care to Heart Failure patients.