We carry out heart rate (also known as a pulse) and heart rhythm checks as a screening tool in long-term condition reviews and routine health checks. Since October 2024, these checks can also be carried out using a single-lead ECG device.
Who is the heart rate and rhythm check for?
A clinician can ask to check a patient’s heart rate and rhythm at any time in consultation or when a patient presents with palpitations, fast heart rate or irregular rhythm. If your clinician recommends a heart rate and rhythm check, think of it as a basic investigation.
Where do we provide a heart rate and rhythm check?
All heart rate and rhythm checks are based in the Practice.
Who will I see when I attend a heart rate and rhythm check?
Your heart rate and rhythm check will be done by a healthcare professional. This will usually be a Practice Nurse or a Healthcare Assistant.
Our Health Practitioner team includes four Practice Nurses, four Healthcare Assistants and two GP Assistants. If you only wish to be seen by a female Health Practitioner, we advise you state your preference at time of appointment booking.
What does a heart rate and rhythm check involve?
A heart rate and rhythm check is a simple test, which can be carried out using a single-lead ECG device as well as manually, by placing the index and middle fingers on your wrist to feel the force of blood going through an artery).
What does a single-lead ECG involve?
A single-lead ECG device measures the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect any irregularities with the heart rate or rhythm, which may be indicators of a heart condition such as atrial fibrillation.
Making gentle contact with the device’s two metal pads with two fingers from each hand produces a reading of the heart rate and rhythm on screen. This takes just 30 seconds and, once complete, analysis is made to indicate a normal heart activity or any other findings.
How should I prepare for my pulse check using a single-lead ECG?
You can help the health practitioner carrying out the single-lead ECG assessment by:
- cleaning your hands using an alcohol-based sanitizer
- if your hands are very dry, using a water-based lotion before recording
- keeping your arms and hands still during the recording
- relaxing your arms and hands to reduce muscle noise; rest your forearms and hands on a flat surface
- if you are wearing hearing aids, turning them off prior to recording
How will I get my single-lead ECG result?
The single-lead ECG device provides automated immediate results. Depending on the results, the health practitioner may refer you to see the GP, if necessary , who should explain to you your results and what happens next. Your GP may recommend an electrocardiogram (12-lead ECG) and refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist) for further tests.
How do I access my single-lead ECG results in the NHS App?
- Login to the NHS App on your smartphone or via your web browser using the NHS App weblink. You will be able to sign in using Face ID or your NHS Login credentials.
- From the main menu, select ‘View your GP health record’.
- There will be a ‘sensitive information’ warning: please read the information and select ‘continue’ at the bottom of the page.
- By selecting ‘Documents’ from the menu, you can access a copy of the single-lead ECG report as a PDF formatted document. By selecting ‘Consultations and events’ from the menu, you can see comments from the GP who has reviewed your single-lead ECG report. If you cannot see ‘Documents’ or ‘Consultations and events’ in the menu, please contact the Practice to have your access reset.
