British Heart Foundation

01/09/2026

After decades of underdiagnosis for women, this is a landmark moment.❤️

Heart attacks have been radically redefined in new international guidelines, which could transform care for tens of thousands of women in the UK.

The new focus on finding three less common causes of heart attacks, which mainly affect women, should ensure more accurate diagnoses and that people are given the best treatments.

To read more about these findings, click here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2026/september/new-recognition-of-heart-attacks-mainly-affecting-women

Headline via The Guardian

31/08/2026

A wearable heart monitor worn for just 14 days could help spot life-threatening heart problems sooner.

New BHF-funded research found that quickly fitting a chest-worn monitor to people attending A&E with unexplained fainting more than doubled the detection of heart rhythm problems. After one year, heart rhythm problems were identified in 22% of people using the monitor, compared to 9% receiving standard care.

For Stephen, 68, from West Lothian, the faster monitoring made all the difference. Despite living with atrial fibrillation for almost 20 years, standard checks in hospital couldn't explain why he had suddenly fainted. He went home and fainted again the next day, which resulted in a 3 day hospital stay where his nurse asked if he wanted to join the trial.

After joining the trial, Stephen wore the chest monitor for 14 days. Although he didn't experience another fainting episode while wearing it, the device revealed that his atrial fibrillation wasn't being controlled by his medication. At certain points, his heart was beating at a dangerously high 227 beats per minute.

Thanks to the monitor picking up the problem, Stephen's care team were able to adjust his treatment. Since then, he hasn't fainted again. "I'm very glad I took part in the trial and that this was picked up," Stephen said. "I haven't fainted since, it looks like the treatment has been working, so I'm really happy."

Stephen's story highlights the potential of two-week heart monitoring from when a patient goes to A&E, which can uncover serious heart rhythm problems that may not be detected during routine hospital tests and later monitoring. This can help more people get the treatment they need sooner.

27/08/2026

Strength isn’t just for the gym. It’s for real life.

For carrying shopping. Climbing stairs. Feeling more confident in your body.

BHF’s Strong Woman Challenge is 31 days of strength-building exercises for all fitness levels, with simple video demos, optional weekly workouts and no equipment needed.

Join from home, go at your own pace, and be part of a community of women cheering each other on.

Sign up, donate or fundraise, and start feeling stronger, one day at a time. https://bit.ly/4gm9XVW

Andi Osho Lorraine Candy Sally Gunnell OBE Amanda Collier

26/08/2026

Do you have a question about blood pressure?
Whether you've recently been told your blood pressure is high, you're confused by your numbers, or you're simply curious to learn more, we'd love to hear from you. Leave your question in the comments below.
We'll be putting as many as we can to cardiologist Dr Rohin Francis and a BHF cardiac nurse, who'll be answering your questions soon.

24/08/2026

At just 22, Faith's life changed in an instant.

A rare type of heart attack, caused by a combination of a congenital heart condition and a blood clotting disorder, left her with lasting damage to her heart muscle resulting in heart failure.

Before her heart attack, Faith was fit and active, working as a fitness coach, playing hockey and regularly going to the gym. Suddenly, she found herself trying to make sense of a life-changing diagnosis, treatment options and what the future might hold.

That's when the British Heart Foundation information and support leaflets she received in hospital became an invaluable source of reassurance and guidance.

"The BHF's information and resources genuinely were a lifeline for me."

Our leaflets helped Faith understand her condition, medication and recovery in clear, accessible language, giving her confidence at a time when everything felt overwhelming.

From 24 August to 6 September, by choosing to round up their shopping at Tesco self-service checkouts, Tesco customers are helping fund vital information and support for people like Faith, so no one has to face a heart condition alone.

21/08/2026

"Cardiovascular disease and heart problems don't have to define you, you can do hard things like this."

Exactly one year after his heart attack, Chris took on his first half marathon on Sunday, completing the Scottish Half Marathon as part of Team BHF alongside his wife, Carmen. ❤️

21/08/2026

"My biggest regret is that I didn't say bye properly."

Watching Ajay share the story of losing his friend Aithil to SADS in the new season of Love is Blind was incredibly moving.

He spoke about the pain of losing someone suddenly and the regret of not knowing their last goodbye would be their last.

Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) is diagnosed when someone dies following a cardiac arrest, but no cause can be found. It can affect seemingly healthy people, leaving families and friends facing unimaginable grief.

Our thoughts are with everyone who has experienced the sudden loss of a loved one.

20/08/2026

Our hearts can carry so much. From love, loss, joy, hope and resilience, it can sometimes feel like a lot to manage. Here are a few gentle reminders to take care of yours.❤️

18/08/2026

Kinda chic to make a difference. ❤️

16/08/2026

"Without the defib, Violet wouldn't have made it."

Jayne Biggs, from Norfolk, is the guardian for around 180 defibrillators on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network that helps ambulance services locate nearby defibrillators in an emergency. Her close connection to cause is what has driven her desire for more defibrillators to be installed and registered across the UK.

In 2013, her then seven-year-old daughter Violet went into cardiac arrest at home. Jayne found Violet unresponsive in bed. She and her husband performed CPR for a desperate seven minutes until paramedics arrived. They used a defibrillator to restart Violet's heart, ultimately saving her life.

Violet survived and was later diagnosed with Long QT syndrome (LQTS), a genetic heart rhythm condition that can cause sudden cardiac arrest in seemingly healthy young people.

Jayne recently shared Violet's story on BBC Breakfast, helping to raise awareness of the importance of accessible defibrillators. Jayne said: “What happened to Violet opened my eyes to just how incredibly important accessible defibrillators are to everyday people. Knowing that it was this device which helped to save my little girl, I knew I wanted to make a difference for others in my situation and similar."

Jayne is encouraging anyone who is in charge of a defib in their local area to get it registered on The Circuit so that it is visible to the ambulance service and, if possible, make it accessible to the public 24/7 to ensure it's able to save a life if needed.

Find out more about The Circuit and check if your defibrillator is registered here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators/national-defibrillator-network-the-circuit

21/03/2018

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