Experts have urged people to check their pulse for atrial fibrillation, a condition that might cause stroke.

Atrial fibrillation is characterised by an abnormal heart rhythm.

A survey involving over 2000 people showed that while 57pct of the respondents were far more likely to check their passport expiry date, only 32pct checked their pulse.

In addition only 28pct of the people knew taking their pulse was a health check they should carry out on themselves.

The British Heart Foundation has launched a dedicated phone line and new area of its website (bhf.org.uk/pulse) so people can hear examples of regular and irregular heartbeats, and get advice on how to take their pulse.

"Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that can be easily detected and treated," the Telegraph quoted Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, as saying.