1000 Heartbeats is a quiz show hosted by Vernon Kay, in which contestants have their heart rate constantly monitored. If they complete seven rounds before their heart beats 1,000 times, they could win a jackpot of 25,000 pounds.

Every contestant start their game with 1000 Heartbeats. As they play each of the seven rounds, their heart rate is monitored and every single beat of their heart makes one of their 1000 Heartbeats disappear. The aim is to get through as many rounds as their heartbeats allow, banking cash along the way. If their heartbeats run out, they go home with nothing.

Contestants battle their way through increasingly challenging rounds of general knowledge, word play and maths, whilst attempting to keep their heart rate under control. Because the quicker their heart beats, the faster their time runs out.