Make pulse checking a practical way to detect heart beat irregularities early: locate the radial pulse at the wrist, just below the base of the thumb, using the index and middle fingers. Count the beats for one full minute to determine both rate and rhythm. A normal resting pulse typically ranges from 60 to less than 100 beats per minute.
In celebration of Global Pulse Day every March 1, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and the Philippine Heart Rhythm Society (PHRS) joined the international campaign to raise awareness on cardiac arrhythmias. The global campaign is led by the European Heart Rhythm Association together with its sister societies: the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, Heart Rhythm Society, and Latin American Heart Rhythm Society.
In the Philippines, the campaign has expanded into a month-long effort, with the PHRS and PHA leading nationwide awareness drives.
In the March 27, 2026, episode of Usapang Puso sa Puso,streamed on PHA Facebook, PHA and PHRS Treasurer Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo, a cardiologist-electrophysiologist, stressed that a simple habit—checking one’s pulse—is apowerful first step in detecting potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorders. “Tinatawag din po kami na electrician ng puso,” Segundo said, adding “by the way, hindi lang one day observance —ginawa natin itong buong buwan para mas ma-emphasize ang kahalagahan ng pulse awareness. Hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have conducted educational activities to teach Filipinos how to check their pulse and recognize early warning signs of arrhythmia.”
Heart irregularity disturbances unlike heart attacks, often go unnoticed until complications arise. One in three people worldwide may develop cardiac arrhythmia in their lifetime.
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PHA Director III and Advocacy Chair Dr. Iris Garcia, who hosted the podcast added:every heartbeat tells a story. Listen to it, understand it, and don’t ignore it. Whether it’s regular or irregular, being aware is the first step to prevention.”
“Minsan sinasabi nitong pagod tayo, excited o kinakabahan. And sometimes, it can quietly tell us that something may not be right—even before we start to feel any symptoms.Learning to listen to your heart—literally—can be very important.”
Common but overlooked condition
Arrhythmia remains less understood despite its prevalence. According to Segundo, it is not a single disease but an umbrella term for various conditions affecting the heart’s rhythm.
“Maaaring pinanganak ka na may arrhythmia, o kaya naman komplikasyon ito ng ibang sakit sa puso,” he explained. “Ang problema, ang alam ng karamihan—heart attack lang. Hindi nila alam na may ibang kondisyon na pwedeng tahimik lang pero delikado.” One of the most common forms is atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can go unnoticed for years. “Compatible with life siya,” Segundo said. “Ibig sabihin, pwedeng nabubuhay ang pasyente nang hindi alam na may arrhythmia siya.”
Despite appearing harmless, the condition can lead to serious complications if left undetected. Blood clots may form in the heart and travel to vital organs. “Kapag nagkaroon ng clot, pwede itong magdulot ng stroke o pulmonary embolism,” he warned. “Kung ma-diagnose natin nang maaga, pwede nating maiwasan ang heart failure at stroke.”
The radial pulse: most accurate point to measure your pulse rate
Make pulse checking a practical way to detect irregularities early: locate the radial pulse at the wrist, just below the base of the thumb, using the index and middle fingers. Count the beats for one full minute to determine both rate and rhythm.
Segundo said a normal resting pulse typically ranges from 60 to less than 100 beats per minute, though variations exist. “May mgatao, lalo na atleta, na mas mabagal ang pulso dahil mas efficient ang puso nila. Parang makina—kapag mas conditioned, mas kaunting effort ang kailangan.”
However, he stressed that irregular rhythm—not just speed—is a key warning sign. “Bukod sa bilang, dapat regular ang pintig. Kapag hindi, maaaring kailangan nang magpatingin.”
Smart wearables and gadgets
With the rise of smartwatches and digital health devices, more people are tracking their heart rate daily. While these tools can be useful, Segundo clarified their limitations. “Hindi pa sila considered na medical devices pero malaking tulong sila sa screening.”
Accuracy depends on proper use—correct fit, consistent wear, and sufficient data. “Mas maraming datos, mas nagigingreliable, halimbawa madalas mong suotin at dapat sakto ang sukat,” he noted. Still, any abnormal reading should prompt consultation with a healthcare professional.
Palpitations, described as a pounding, fluttering, or “skipped” heartbeat, may occur during stress or physical activity. “Normal lang ‘yan kung may trigger, tulad ng kaba o pagod,” Segundo said. “Pero kung nangyayari ito kahit walang dahilan, magandang magpacheck-up.”
Symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort may indicate a more serious issue. Even physically fit individuals are not exempt.
“Hindi dahil atleta ka, automatic na okay ka,” he cautioned. “Kung sasali sa sports, lalo na competitive, mahalagang magpa-check-up muna.”
Beyond awareness campaigns and technology, the message remains grounded in simplicity: a few seconds spent checking your pulse can lead to early detection, timely treatment, and potentially life-saving outcomes.“Hindi lahat ng irregular na pintig delikado,” Segundo said. “Pero kung hindi mo ipapacheck, hindi mo rin malalaman.”
Garcia added: “Studies show that one of the most common types of arrhythmia, called Atrial Fibrillation, continues to increase worldwide—from 33.5 million cases in 2010 to nearly 59 million in 2019 and counting.”
“Let’s make it a habit to “Know Your Pulse”. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it’s life-saving,” she added.
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