Neurology

Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center

What's Your Pulse Telling You?

Heart disease, especially heartbeat irregularities (atrial fibrillation) can increase your risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that can be dangerous if not diagnosed and treated. As the heart contracts irregularly, blood clots can form, entering the blood stream and blocking cerebral circulation.

Where is My Pulse?

The pulse can be felt by placing two fingers of the right hand along the outer edge of the left wrist just below the joint of the hand and wrist. By gently pressing, the pulse can be felt and should be counted for 60 seconds. If your pulse is not regular this does not necessarily mean that you have atrial fibrillation. Contact your physician for an evaluation.

How Do I Know if I Have Atrial Fibrillation?

Checking your pulse is key to determining if atrial fibrillation is present. It is important to remember that you are checking the rhythm of your heartbeat not necessarily the rate (how fast your heart is beating). A normal heartbeat is regular and atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat.

Do I Have a Normal Heart Rhythm?

To help you determine the difference between a normal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation, click on each play buttons below.

To start the sound, click on the triangle (second button from the left in the controller). While playing, this button turns into a stop button (two vertical lines.) You can adjust the volume using the slider on the left with the speaker icon.

• To hear a normal heart rhythm, click on the play button (triangle).

• To hear atrial fibrillation, click on the play button (triangle).

What Should I Do Next?

If your pulse is irregular and you think it is due to atrial fibrillation, you may want to contact your primary care physician for an appointment. If you do not have a primary care physician and want to contact one, you can find a doctor here at Strong.