HAVE YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE
TAKE control of your own wellbeing by checking for Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Irish Heart is urging adults to take their pulse to detect an irregular heartbeat.
An irregular heartbeat carries a fivefold greater risk of stroke and an estimated 8,500 strokes occur in Ireland annually, with about a third linked to AF. According to Irish Heart, some people have no symptoms of AF and are only diagnosed at a routine check-up, or following a serious event like a stroke.
But there can be warning signs and these include palpitations, tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feeling faint.
Here, Dr Angie Brown answers some common questions about the pulse.
WHAT IS THE PULSE? The pulse represents the tactile arterial palpation of the heartbeat. It can be felt where the artery can be palpated, where it lies close to the surface of the body.
WHERE DO YOU FIND IT? In the neck (carotid artery), the elbow (brachial artery), the groin (femoral artery), behind the knee (popliteal artery), the ankle (posterior tibial artery), the foot (dorsalis pedis artery), and finally the wrist where the radial pulse is felt. We usually check the pulse at the wrist.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CHECK YOUR
PULSE? The pulse tells us about the heart rate. We can count the beats per minute — when at rest, the heart rate is usually between 59-100 beats a minute. If you are very fit, the pulse could be lower, at around 50 bpm. If the pulse is too slow, it can cause dizziness or even blackouts. After exercise, coffee, alcohol or in stressful situations the pulse could be faster.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR AND
WHY? The pulse should be regular. One of the reasons for an irregular pulse is AF — this is common especially as we age, and is more common with underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, excess alcohol and thyroid disease. As the top chamber of the heart doesn’t contract as well and the blood doesn’t circulate as well, this can lead to thrombus formation (clots), which can move up to the brain causing a stroke.
Once AF is diagnosed it can be treated with medication to control the heart rate if it’s going too fast, and blood thinners to reduce the risk of clot formation and stroke. Sometimes an electrical shock treatment can be performed to return the heart to a regular rhythm. Some people may have breathlessness or dizziness while others may have no symptoms from AF — this is why we would advise people to check their pulse regularly.
HOW DO YOU CHECK? The palm of one hand is turned up to face the ceiling and the first two fingers of the other hand are placed on the wrist below the thumb. The radial pulse should be palpable there. Count the number of beats per minute.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO CHECK
AND HOW OFTEN? This is best done when relaxed and resting. The more often you check your pulse, the more likely you are to pick up an irregular pulse as it can be intermittent. Learn how to ‘feel the pulse’ twice a day for two weeks at irishheart. ie/feelthepulse or call Freephone 1800 25 25 50 for more information.