People in the city are being encouraged to check their pulse rates to see if they could be at an increased risk of suffering a stroke.

Posters will be going up in Brislington, Avonmouth and St Philip's to educate people about the signs to look out for.

An abnormal heart rhythm, more common in the over 55s, can lead to dangerous blood clots that can cause strokes.

But just by carrying out a simple pulse check, people can identify signs of atrial fibrillation (AF) and seek treatment before they suffer.

The posters are going up on the Bath Bridge on Bath Road, in St Andrew's Road in Avonmouth and by the Albert Crescent Wholesale Fruit Centre.

AF leads to around 16,000 strokes in the UK each year, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) – but can be effectively managed with blood thinning treatments.

The charity's Pulse campaign features a dedicated phone line (0300 333 2 333) and online support (bhf.org.uk/pulse) for people to hear examples of regular and irregular heartbeats, and get advice on how to take their pulse.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said: "Checking your pulse is so simple – you really don't need to be a doctor or a nurse.

"The BHF Pulse phone line and website can help you take your pulse and can help you understand the difference between a regular and irregular rhythm. Taking one minute today to check your pulse for an irregular rhythm could make all the difference. Don't leave it to chance.

"Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that can be easily detected and treated.

"We urge all local health authorities to build a simple pulse test into heart health screening initiatives and other health checks, as the 60 seconds it takes could really help find people at a heightened risk of a stroke."

The BHF is also calling on healthcare providers to include a pulse check alongside other health checks, a tactic which has already proven successful in pilot activities.