- Baum Pharmacy, 10-12 Manor Park, London SE13 5PB
- Bentley Chemist, 374 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2BY
- Brook Pharmacy, 109 Chinbrook Road, Lewisham, London, SE12 9QL
- Catford Pharmacy, 185 Torridon Rd, London SE6 1RG
- Cheltenham Chemist, 20 Turnham Road, Brockley, SE4 2LA
- Crofton Park Pharmacy, 435 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2PJ
- Duncans Chemist, 24 Bromley Hill, Bromley BR1 4JX
- Gokul Chemist, 53 Baring Rd, London SE12 0JS
- Grove Park Pharmacy, 344 Baring Grove Park, London SE12 0DU
- Hatcham Pharmacy, 399-401 Queen’s Rd, London SE14 5HD
- Krisons Chemist, 506 New Cross Rd, London SE14 6TJ
- Ladywell Pharmacy, 174 Adelaide Ave, London SE4 1JN
- Lee Pharmacy, 19 Burnt Ash Hill, London SE12 0AA
- Lewis Grove, 1 Lewis Grove, London, SE13 6BG
- Lewisham Pharmacy, 324 Lee High Rd, London SE13 5PJ
- Medicos Pharmacy, 197 Stanstead Road, London SE23 1HU
- New Cross Pharmacy, The Waldron Health Centre, Amersham Vale, New Cross, London SE14 6LD
- Perry Vale Pharmacy, 193 Perry Vale Forest Hill London SE23 2JF
- Sheel Pharmacy Lewisham High Street, 298 Lewisham High St, London SE13 6JZ
- Sheel Pharmacy, 312-314 Lewisham Road, Lewisham London SE13 7PA
- Vantage Pharmacy, 108 Conisborough Cres, London SE6 2SP
- Woodlands Pharmacy, 4 Edwin Hall Place, Hither Green Lane, London SE13 6RN
If you are 65 or over living in Lewisham borough, you can visit a participating local pharmacy (list below) to check your heart rhythm. This is a non-invasive test, doing the test is as easy as placing your figures on your smartphone camera for 60 seconds.
Participating pharmacies
Why check your heart rhythm?
Many people who are over the age of 50 years have a heart rhythm that is too high or is missing a beat for a variety of reasons. An irregular heart rhythm could also be a sign of an atrial fibrillation (AF).
AF detection helps to identify people who are unaware that they are living with AF to receive medical support and lifestyle advice to prevent an AF-related stroke.
AF is not immediate life-threatening condition itself, but it can be an indicator for a bigger heart problem. AF increases a person’s risk of developing a stroke, and the episode can happen suddenly. Not all patients may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, pounding sensation of the chest, weakness or dizziness.
What causes AF
The underlying cause of AF is damaged tissue which can result from:
- Ageing
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart condition
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Thyroid disease
- Drug and alcohol abuse
The tissue damage can cause a blood clot formation which can lead to a stroke.
What to expect at the pharmacy when you go to check your heart rhythm?
If you are 50 or over living in Lewisham borough, you can visit a local pharmacy to check your heart rhythm. This is a non-invasive test, doing the test is as easy as placing your figures on your smartphone camera for 60 seconds.
The pharmacy team will explain the test, then, obtain your consent. The team will then help you to download a FibriCheck application on your phone. The pharmacy team will also show you how to use the FibriCheck app to do the test, as well as manual pulse check on your wrist.
The FibriCheck application will enable you to measure your heart rhythm at least twice a day for 7 days. This is important to ensure that the electrical activity of your heart is captured. After this, your results will be analysed by medically certified algorithm and sent to your pharmacist. You will need to contact the pharmacist for the heart rhythm test results.
Interpretation of the results
The results are grouped into Green, Amber or Red.
Red – Irregular heart rhythm detected, copy of results sent to your GP. Further investigation required by GP.
Amber – Inconclusive – no immediate action is required, your GP can check your pulse on your next GP appointment.
Green – No irregularities detected, no action required.
Patients without a smart phone
If you do not have a smart phone, the pharmacist can signpost you to the nearest community hub where you can have a similar test done to check your heart rhythm.