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It’s believed around three million Brits have an abnormal heart rhythm or arrythmia – and many may not even realise it. The most common arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (AF), which causes an irregular and often unusually fast heartbeat, and is associated with a five-times higher risk of having a potentially fatal or life-changing stroke. If diagnosed, AF can be treated – however, it’s estimated there are at least 270,000 people in the UK who are unaware they have the condition, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF). “What remains troubling is the sheer number of people who are undiagnosed and unaware that they are living with a heightened risk of stroke,” says BHF medical director, Professor Sir Nilesh Samani. “Finding people with this hidden threat must remain a priority.” Trudie Lobban, founder of the Arrhythmia Alliance – a coalition of patients, healthcare professionals and policymakers, adds: “Heart rhythm disorders are a leading cause of sudden cardiac death and devastating strokes, and yet too few people are aware of the rhythm of their heart.” To mark World Heart Rhythm Week (5-11 June), experts are highlighting the importance of being aware of arrhythmia warning signs and getting things checked out. Here’s what you need to know… Arrhythmias can affect all age groupsHowever, AF is most common in older age groups. As Dr Anthony Chow, a consultant cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, explains: “Heart rhythm problems are a very common condition that can affect all age groups, but AF is more common in older people. It can be as common as 10% of the population in their 70s, and almost 29% of those in their 80s.” Arrhythmias can have many causes Lobban says many conditions can cause heart rhythm problems, including heart failure, blackouts, electrolyte disturbances, thyroid disorders, infections, heart attacks, strokes, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and obesity. Triggers can also include stress, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, diet pills, and cough or cold medicines. “But there is usually an underlying physical reason for it,” Lobban adds. Warning signs to look out for Key warning signs, says Chow, are palpations (a thumping or fluttering sensation in your heart/chest), dizzy spells and feeling faint, breathlessness, chest discomfort, and feeling overly tired. These things don’t automatically mean you have a heart problem, but it’s important to get any symptoms checked out. And Chow adds: “Not everyone experiences these exact symptoms and, in some cases, patients can experience no symptoms at all.” How to measure your heart rhythmThere are many ways heart rhythms can be measured clinically, through ECGs or monitors. You can check your pulse yourself at home, too. “The easiest way to detect an arrhythmia is to feel your pulse and hence your heart rhythm – is it irregular, too fast, or too slow?” says Lobban. “Such a simple thing as a 30-second pulse rhythm check can literally save your life.” The Heart Rhythm Alliance has a ‘know your pulse’ guide on their website. Lobban says you should sit down for five minutes beforehand, and remember that any stimulants you’ve taken, like caffeine or nicotine, will affect the rate. You’ll need a watch that measures seconds (take it off to do the test), or your phone timer could work. Hold your left or right hand out with your palm facing up and elbow slightly bent. With your other hand, place your index and middle fingers on your wrist near the base of your thumb, between the bone and stringy thumb tendon, to find your pulse. Once you’ve found your pulse, maintain a firm pressure and count the beats for 30 seconds, then multiply by two to get your heart rate in beats per minute. If your heart rhythm is irregular, you should count for one minute and don’t multiply. Arrhythmia can cause many serious health problemsHeart arrhythmia can cause a variety of serious heart health complications including strokes, heart failure and heart attacks, explains Chow. “Heart arrhythmias, in particular AF, are often associated with an increased risk of blood clots, so it’s extremely important to be aware of the warning signs,” he says. “If a blood clot breaks loose, it can travel directly from the heart to the brain, which can cause a stroke. You should consult your doctor and get referred to a cardiac rhythm specialist for assessment if you have significant symptoms.” When to see a doctor If you have any previous history of heart problems and/or are becoming increasingly concerned about palpations, you should speak to a medical expert, Chow advises. Those with a family history of arrythmia and/or sudden cardiac death should also make sure they get checked out. “It’s not usual that we’re aware of our heart beating, unless there’s a disturbed rhythm,” he says. “You should speak to your doctor if your heart palpations are lasting a long time, or aren’t improving and seem to be getting worse. Acute instances of symptoms could be a warning sign of something more serious, so it’s important to seek medical advice if you’re concerned. In some cases, arrhythmia could be an indication of a medical emergency such as a heart attack.” Treatment for arrhythmiaArrhythmias can be treated in a variety of ways. “Some require no more than reassurance after diagnosis, but others may need drug therapy, or implantation of an electrical device such as a pacemaker or ICD,” says Lobban. Chow says therapies such as cardioversion can be used to reset the heart rhythm by sending a shock through the chest to the heart, and there are also procedures and surgeries including catheter ablation, where wires are threaded through blood vessels directly to the heart and heat is used to create tiny scars in the heart to block abnormal electrical signs and restore a normal heartbeat. Chow adds: “Most people with abnormal heart rhythms can lead a normal life when the condition has been properly diagnosed and managed.”

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Formula 1 insists next week’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal is not at risk despite wildfires in nearby regions. More than 400 wildfires are raging in Canada which have led to mass evacuations in the Quebec region and officials warned this could be the country’s worst wildfire season on record, with over 6.7 million acres already scorched. In Montreal, thick layers of smog have descended on parts of the city in the last few days but F1 insist next week’s race meet at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is set to go ahead as planned. An F1 spokesperson said: “The event is not at risk, and we have been assured by all the relevant information that the situation in Montreal at this time is different to other parts of the country and northern US and the risk remains low and air quality is good in Montreal.” F1 had to previously cancel last month’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola due to devastating flooding in the region. Despite calls in cities as far south as New York for residents to stay indoors if possible, Montreal has not enforced a similar requirement of its locals this week. The government situation states the situation in the city is low risk, with wind direction set to move the smoke away from Montreal in the coming days - and expected rainfall should also alleviate the situation. F1 will continue to monitor the situation but there is no concerns at this stage. Max Verstappen won last year’s race in Canada - the first grand prix in the country for three years due to the Covid pandemic - and holds a 53-point lead in the championship this season after recent wins in Monaco and Spain. Read More F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled after heavy flooding in region Smoky haze blanketing US, Canada could last for days as wildfires rage, winds won't budge ‘Apocalyptic’ photos capture smoky haze blanketing New York City as moon turns red and air alerts raised

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F1 Drive, the new in-stadium karting facility at the 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, have unveiled their bespoke karts ahead of the grand opening next year. The new state-of-the-art facility below the South Stand at Tottenham is the epicentre for a 15-year strategic partnership between the club and Formula 1. Now, F1 Drive have revealed several features on the karts to “create the most authentic F1 driving experience for drivers of all ages and ability levels.” These include a simulated “DRS” button on the steering wheel, allowing a kart to pick up more speed when following close behind a kart in front – just like in Formula 1. Karts will also feature a “boost” button which will deliver additional power for short bursts of time. Karts will also have immersive audio with sound effects taken from the cars of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, as well as commentary and tips from David Croft and Naomi Schiff. Steering wheels will have an 18cm LED display, providing real-time data such as lap times and flags to drivers, while the timing screens will match official F1 broadcast graphics. There will also be separate tracks for adults and juniors and the offering of dual karts to cater for accessibility requirements. F1 director of commercial partnerships Jonny Haworth said: “We wanted to create a karting experience that truly captures the feeling and atmosphere of Formula 1 and offers an accessible entry point to our sport for as many people as possible and F1 Drive-London is going to deliver on this vision and more.” The karts will have four different liveries and come in two sizes, with modifications possible depending on age and skill level. “Whether you are just starting out on your motorsport journey with your eyes set on the F1 Grid or are looking for a great day out with family and friends, F1 Drive-London can deliver an authentic F1 experience for all,” Haworth added. “I am excited to see the karts launch and track testing begin, and I can’t wait to see our fans hitting the track in the new year.” Tottenham Hotspur chief commercial officer added: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the world’s first Formula 1® karting facility here in Tottenham. “It will be another attraction at our world-class stadium and will act as an innovative gateway into motorsport for new fans looking to discover the thrill of Formula 1®, while giving the most passionate race fans a truly first-of-its-kind experience.” While an official opening date has not yet been released, the facility is expected to open in early 2024. The facility is expected to host future national karting championship races, having been accredited by the National Karting Association. A driver academy programme will also be launched. As well as NFL matches, boxing fights and music concerts, the karting track is another attraction to grace the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which includes the ‘Dare Skywalk’ at the top of the stadium. Read More Lewis Hamilton: ‘I had asked Mercedes for changes and they weren’t done’ Verstappen rewrote history books in 2023 – but his dominance stretches way beyond F1 When does the 2024 F1 season start? F1 2023 official calendar: All 23 Grand Prix this year F1 Juniors broadcast an admirable idea – but all kids want to be is grown up Walking with the stars: Inside the white lines of the Las Vegas Grand Prix grid

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A man has been receiving backlash for giving his opinions on parenting, despite not having any children. Mario Mirante took to TikTok to share a video about what he observed when he watched a mother and her son at a park. “Please watch the whole video before you comment. Thanks,” he captioned the clip, after the original was taken down. “The kid is just playing quietly, not being annoying. I don’t hear a peep from him, he’s just doing his thing on the playground,” Mirante said. “The mom the entire time is on her phone, staring right down at her screen. Doesn’t look up one time.” He explained that as he walked by, he noticed the child sitting on top of the slide. “I hear: ‘Hey mom, watch. Watch, Mom,’” Mirante recalled. “And at the top of her lungs, shrieking like a Velociraptor, this mother screams: ‘One second!!!’” The TikToker claimed the mother yelled so loudly that he stopped abruptly to hear what the problem was. When her child heard his mother scream, Mirante claimed that he looked “terrified” and confused, thinking that he upset his mother. “He wasn’t doing anything wrong,” Mirante said. “Mom never looks up from the screen as the kid goes down [the slide].” Mirante added that he is most definitely “judgeing” the mother based on what he saw in those few minutes. “When your kid isn’t doing something wrong, or in danger, you probably shouldn’t scream at them. It might have some traumatic effects in the future,” he declared, before asking: “Are you guys that attached to your phones?” @mariomirante Please watch the whole video before you comment. Thanks ♬ original sound - Mario Mirante He explained that his original video was taken down due to the amount of negative comments, with people telling him he shouldn’t judge a mother when he is not a parent himself. According to Mirante, some TikTokers told him that “maybe the mom needs a break and she takes him to the park to get that break” or that the mother could’ve been a single mom. Even content creator Abby Eckel stitched Mirante’s TikTok, explaining in a separate video that he has never experienced being the default parent. “A default parent is typically one who is ‘first in line’ when it comes to caring for children, child-related responsibilities, or home-related tasks,” clinical psychologist Amber Thornton wrote in Psychology Today. “If you have never been the default parent, and you don’t know what it’s like to be constantly needed all day, every day if you’re not the one consistently and constantly regulating your child’s emotional needs while also having to regulate your own, which also likely means that you’re having to relearn how to do that because you weren’t taught that as a child,” Eckel said in her TikTok video. “I think it’s wise if you pipe down.” @itsme_abbye If youve never been a parent, please sit down. ♬ original sound - Marriage & Motherhood Many people agreed with Mirante’s video, while others continued to disagree in the comments section. “I am a single mom, I 100 per cent agree with you. Kids remember who is actually PRESENT with them, not glued to their phone, the TV etc etc,” one commenter wrote. “That feeling of ‘but what did I do wrong?’ will stay with that child for a long time. It can be very damaging,” another comment read. “My kid used to say ‘mom’ every five secs. It was a joke in the family. I’d lose my mind about 2 per cent of the time about it. You just caught a bad moment,” one commenter pointed out. Another person wrote: “I thought the same way as you. And then I became a parent. Until you become a parent, you do not understand the struggle.” The Independent has contacted Mirante for comment. Read More Woman filters apartments by price but only parking spaces are in her budget Bride warms hearts after having 104-year-old grandfather serve as ring bearer at her wedding Mother’s TikTok calling out parenting ‘double-standards’ resonates with women everywhere Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

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