The following day Archie’s condition has generally improved but whilst taking a set of measurements you note that he has an irregular heart rate. As per NICE guidelines https://cks.nice.org.uk/atrial-fibrillation, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is arranged and the results show that he in atrial fibrillation (see ECG below).
Note – care must be taken when measuring heart rate in patients in atrial fibrillation. The most accurate readings will be achieved by either using a cardiac monitor or listening at the heart with a stethoscope and counting the heart rate. Taking the pulse rate using either an automated blood pressure cuff or counting the pulse at the wrist is not sufficiently reliable.
Page last reviewed: 06 Feb 2021
