60-second pulse check to detect stroke
POSTED November 17, 2009 - 12:50 | POSTED BY Jyoti Pal
Last edited by Kangna Agarwal on November 17, 2009 - 14:24
Flagging off a new campaign to raise awareness of atrial fibrillation, a cardiac condition characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is now urging people to take up a 60-second pulse check that can help detect the risk of heart stroke.
The campaign
British Heart Foundation campaign ‘Pulse’, a multi-media campaign will make people aware of the health benefits of a self-check of their pulse. People will be advised on how to check their pulse and pick up abnormalities of an irregular heartbeat.
Under the campaign, BHF is calling people aged above 55 to check their pulse and find out if they stand at an increased risk of a heart stroke.
"Checking your pulse is so simple - you really don't need to be a doctor or a nurse. The BHF phone line (0300 333 2 333) website (bhf. org. uk/pulse) will help you take your pulse and help you understand what an irregular rhythm could feel like.
"Taking one minute to check your pulse for an irregular rhythm could make all the difference - don't leave it to chance" Dr Mike Knapton, BHF’s associate medical director said.
Unfolding the astounding facts, the survey of nearly 2,000 adults revealed while 90 percent and 89 percent knew the importance of self-checks for testicular cancer and breast cancer respectively, only 28 percent were aware of the health benefits of a self-check of their pulse.
About Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder afflicting nearly 8,00,000 people in the UK annually. Though asymptomatic, atrial fibrillation can result in palpitations, fainting, chest pain and congestive heart failure.
In addition, people with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to suffer a stroke vis-à-vis their healthy counterparts.
Health experts say that untreated and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation can lead to dangerous blood clots – a cause of nearly 16,000 strokes in the UK each year – the condition can be effectively managed with blood thinning treatments, experts highlight.
