During Heart Rhythm Week, June 7 to 13, NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning group is encouraging people aged over 65 to get their pulse rate checked at their local GP practice when they attend for any routine appointment.

Asking a clinician to feel your pulse at the wrist is a simple way to check for atrial fibrillation (AF), which is one of the most common heart rhythm problems and is a major cause of stroke. A simple pulse check takes only 30 seconds and it could save your life.

It is estimated that there are around 500,000 people in the UK who have Undiagnosed Atrial Fibrillation, and it is most common in those over 65 years of age. It causes a fast, irregular pulse, which can lead to a persistent heart flutter. You may also feel dizzy, short of breath and very tired, although many people have no symptoms at all.

Arrhythmias also cause up to 100,000 sudden cardiac deaths each year which is more than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined.

Dr Dave Baker, GP and South West Lincolnshire Locality Lead, NHS Lincolnshire CCG, said: "Some people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms and are completely unaware they have the condition, but it is very important to get AF diagnosed.

"An irregular pulse is a sign that you may have AF, and it is simple to treat – most cases simply require medication – this treatment could prevent you having a stroke. We would urge people to check their pulse, and to contact their practice if they find it is irregular."

NHS Lincolnshire CCG will also be encouraging doctors and nurses to carry out opportunistic checks when people aged over 65 are at the surgery.

Dr Baker continued: "We hope that with this approach we will be able to identify more cases of AF and help prevent strokes."

As well as over 65s being advised to have their pulses checked, patients of any age are advised to make an appointment with their GP Practice if they notice a sudden change in heartbeat or if their heart rate is consistently lower than 60 or above 100 beats per minute, especially if they are experiencing other symptoms of AF.

More information can be found at www.heartrhythmalliance.org