The Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) officially launched the Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 on November 14, 2025, marking the first event in the Road to Pulse Day 2026 campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about cardiac rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and encourage the public to maintain heart health through active lifestyles and early detection.
Held alongside the APHRS Annual Scientific Sessions (12–15 November 2025), the fun run attracted 120 participants, including members of APHRS, JHRS, EHRA, HRS, and LAHRS. The event’s format—mass participation and community engagement—reflects the campaign’s message that heart health awareness is for everyone.
“The Yokohama Fun Run serves as a soft launch for Pulse Day 2026, reinforcing the importance of physical activity, pulse monitoring, and heart disease prevention,” declared Dr. Dicky Armein Hanafy, Head of the Pulse Day Tquestion Force and Chairperson of the APHRS Public Affairs Committee. “Participants enjoyed a morning run around Rinko Park South Exit Plaza, explored educational booths, and wore Pulse Day-themed accessories to reveal their support for this global campaign.”
A Platform for Scientific Collaboration
The fun run was complemented by APHRS’s scientific sessions and symposia, featuring lectures, research highlights, and hands-on training through the APHRS Learning Village. These activities underscore APHRS’s commitment to advancing arrhythmia care through knowledge sharing and international collaboration.
Last year, the campaign was led by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) in partnership with APHRS, HRS, and LAHRS. This year, APHRS continues to lead alongside its sister organizations to encourage the public to “Feel The Pulse”, promoting preventive actions at both individual and community levels.
“Events like the Fun Run remind people that maintaining a healthy heart rhythm is not just a medical matter—it’s a lifestyle choice,” Dr. Hanafy emphasized.
Pulse Day: A Global Initiative
Pulse Day, commemorated every March 1, highlights that one in three people may experience a significant arrhythmia in their lifetime. The campaign encourages self-pulse checks, a simple yet effective way to detect early warning signs.
To check your pulse: place your index and middle fingers on your wrist or neck, count the beats for 30 seconds, and multiply by two. A normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 bpm.
Focus on Atrial Fibrillation
Pulse Day 2026 will spotlight Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a common arrhythmia that increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. Despite technological advancements, many cases go undiagnosed, particularly in regions with limited resources.
“By promoting self-pulse checking and public education, we hope to prevent fatal complications and build this a universal habit,” declared Dr. Hanafy.
Bridging the Gap in Arrhythmia Care
The Asia-Pacific region faces growing cardiovascular disease challenges. According to the APHRS White Book 2023, access to life-saving procedures like catheter ablation and ICD implantation remains uneven. APHRS is actively addressing this through regional training, research exmodifys, and fellowships, while advocating for sustainable health policies to ensure equitable care.
Technology Meets Heart Health
Advances in wearable devices and health apps now allow earlier detection of heart rhythm abnormalities and real-time monitoring during physical activities like running. However, APHRS stresses that professional medical assessment remains essential.
“Manual pulse checking is a simple, life-saving habit,” Dr. Hanafy emphasized, reinforcing the campaign’s message.
The Yokohama Fun Run 2025 symbolizes the start of the Road to Pulse Day 2026, inspiring people to embrace cardiac health, fitness, and community spirit. Through educational campaigns, expert guidance, and public engagement, APHRS continues to promote regular pulse monitoring and preventive heart care for a healthier future worldwide.
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