New Irish research shows that one in three people are not sure how to check their pulse properly.
The Pulse Check campaign was officially launched by former RTÉ newsreader Anne Doyle with the aim of encouraging those aged 60 and over to incorporate a simple pulse check into their morning routine.
Checking your pulse takes just thirty seconds and the Pulse Check campaign recommends adopting it as part of your morning routine. 26% of Irish adults when they first wake up in the morning hit the snooze button. Other morning activities Irish adults do first thing include checking their phone or tablet (18%), eating breakfast (15%), having a shower (15%) and making a cup of tea or coffee (15%).
The research revealed that over half of Irish people have never heard of the heart condition Atrial Fibrillation (AF) while 29% are unsure how to detect it. AF can be detected starting with a simple pulse check. AF is the most common type of sustained cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, and currently affects up to 40,000 people over 50 in Ireland. It is common in people aged 60 and over often appearing in those with underlying heart disease and affects 10% of people over 75.
Dr. John Keaney, Consultant Cardiologist at the Mater Private, remarked “Atrial Fibrillation is a serious condition that can lead to a number of health complications and is a factor in up to 30% of strokes in Ireland each year4. Those aged 60 or over are most at risk and should make sure to check their pulse every morning as part of a regular routine, alongside hitting the snooze button and brushing your teeth.
“This research shows that people are unsure how to check their pulse. It is very straight forward. First, face the palm of either hand upwards. Second, place the index and middle finger of your other hand on the wrist; third, count the number of beats for thirty seconds and double it. This is your pulse rate.”
A normal pulse is 60-100 beats per minute in a regular rhythm. If your pulse is fast and racing, slow, irregular, consistently above 120 beats per minute or consistently below 40 beats per minute you should visit a healthcare professional.
Anne Doyle, former broadcaster and campaign ambassador, said; “Routine has always been part of my life going back to my days as a national broadcaster. Now checking my pulse is part of my daily routine. It only takes 30 seconds each morning and it leaves me feeling reassured for the rest of the day.
“AF might not be life threatening in itself, but it can lead to potentially serious side effects including heart failure or stroke. 2,000 people die of stroke in Ireland each year with those living with AF five times more likely to suffer a stroke.”
This research was carried out by Empathy Research among 1,003 Irish adults aged over 18 during November 2015 throughout Ireland via their Online Omnibus Survey.