Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan received an alert from his smart watch about a high heart rate. This led to a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm.

McGuigan underwent ablation surgery in hospital. His heart stopped during the procedure. Doctors fitted a temporary pacemaker, which they removed before his discharge.

McGuigan now takes medication to manage his condition. He attends regular check-ups and has resumed cycling.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine described her daughter Olivia's health challenges. Olivia was born eight weeks early last September. Staff transferred her to neonatal intensive care at Royal Victoria Hospital.

Doctors diagnosed Olivia with supraventricular tachycardia. In her first week, they used a defibrillator for cardioversion 13 times to normalise her heart rate. She later moved to Clark Clinic in Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children.

McGuigan and Erskine spoke as part of the British Heart Foundation's Keep Northern Ireland Beating campaign. The charity marked its 65th year by unveiling 65 red benches across the UK for those with cardiovascular disease.