The technique was created and validated by the Research Center for Stroke & Heart Disease. Since most people with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) are unaware they have the condition, teaching people to check the rhythm of their pulse can potentially prevent many strokes, especially since current treatment reduces the risk of stroke by about 70%. An irregular heartbeat is a telltale sign of AF.

In 1997, to validate the idea that people might be able to detect an irregular heartbeat, the Research Center for Stroke & Heart Disease, in partnership with the National Stroke Association, conducted a clinical research trial based out of five hospitals in the United States. The results of the trial proved that over 91% of individuals could determine whether a pulse was regular or irregular.

The self-screening technique must be performed properly in order to obtain correct results and should not be considered a substitute for consulting with a physician.