The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched a new campaign for raising awareness of atrial fibrillation.

People everywhere are being urged to get their pulse checked for atrial fibrillation, a condition responsible for causing around 16,000 strokes each year. The condition affects around 800,000-people in the UK and is characterised by an abnormal heart rhythm.

Individuals above the age of 55 seem to be at greater risk, up to five times the chance of suffering a stroke as healthy people. Blood thinning treatments are available, in case the condition is caught in its early stages.

A survey of over 2,000-people found many were far more likely to check the expiry date of their passport (57%) than their pulse (32%).

In comparison with 89% who knew about self-checks for breast cancer and 90% who know how to check for testicular cancer, with only 28% were aware that they could check their pulse for themselves.

A dedicated phone line i.e. 0300 333 2 333 has been launched by BHF, including making a new addition to its website i.e.www.bhf.org.uk/pulse, allowing people to hear what a regular and an irregular heartbeat sounds like, including getting advice on the best way to take their pulse.

Checking your pulse, a 60-second health check that could save their life.