Simple, manual palpation of your patient’s pulse could help in the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition that causes an irregular heart rate and is a significant risk factor for stroke, particularly in the elderly. A recent article in Pulse suggests that more opportunistic testing of patients could help in the detection of AF which is asymptomatic in an estimated 30-40% of people. Currently NICE recommends manual pulse palpation in any patient with one symptom such as breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness, chest discomfort or stroke/transient ischaemic attack.
Chiropractors need to be aware of these recommendations and be alert to the signs and symptoms of AF. For patients who are undiagnosed, this simple test could reveal the need for immediate referral to a GP.