Transcript

EMILY REEVE

Hi. I'm Emily Reeve, senior cardiac nurse of the British Heart Foundation. Today, I'm going to show you how to check your pulse. Checking your pulse is important because it can detect any irregularities in the way your heart beats. It's quick and easy to do. You can even do it at home. I'm going to sit down now and check mine.

Turn one of your hands over so your palm faces upwards. Can you see some creases at your wrist where your hand meets your arm? On the side of your wrist where your thumb is, put the first two fingers of your other hand in the groove next to the bone, about an inch down from that crease. You should be able to feel your pulse. Feel your pulse for 30 seconds. Does it feel regular like this rhythm?

[HEARTBEAT]

Or does it feel irregular, like this rhythm?

[IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT]

If you feel an irregular pulse, please make an appointment to see your GP. An irregular heartbeat could be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm, like atrial fibrillation, which could put you at risk of stroke. Your doctor will be able to advise you.