Since I was 19 years old, I have experienced random episodes of a racing heart. Until recently I had never really had enough investigation in to what was occurring, mostly due to the issue of capturing an event happening. Thankfully I was advised to try and record any abnormality using an app on a watch. It wasn't until early September 2022, when I had a rather angry 45 minute episode but managed to record everything on my watch,  that I arrived at A&E just after my heart returned to a normal rhythm. Troponin bloods were taken confirming some damaged had occurred to my heart. I spent a further 4 days in Emergency Cardio Care where I was to undergo various tests to establish what was occurring. In addition the Consultant used my watch records to help diagnose the issue. 

I have lots to be positive about as my heart is healthy. I have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, which is caused by the heart's natural pacemaker. Currently I'm taking some medication to help prevent the episodes and await an operation. 

As much as I can establish my father suffered similar issues as a young man. Knowing the anxiety of these attacks, I'm sure they played a part in him taking his own life at 44 years old.

I have been advised that it's ok to run unless these episodes are made worse by exercise. Currently I'm in training and intend to to run a half Marathon raising money for the British Heart Foundation and I'd be so grateful for your support. The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK, but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives. It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me reach my target. 

For every mile I run in 2023, including the marathon on the 2nd April, I will donate £2.50. 

Thanks 

Wayne McGuire