A manual pulse check is the simplest, most cost effective method of identifying undetected Atrial Fibrillation and should be undertaken in all routine clinical practice, especially for those at increased risk of AF.

Embedding pulse checks into commissioning plans has been shown to have a positive impact on local AF prevalence as it encourages staff to complete a pulse check in all routine appointments. For example, when blood pressure is taken at a flu vaccination clinic or chronic disease prevention related activity, such as the NHS Health Check.

It is also key that patients are aware of how to check their own pulse rhythm and the British Heart Foundation and Arrhythmia Alliance have some excellent resources and videos to support this on their websites.