A Community Fun Run with a Life-Saving Purpose
As Filipinos, fun runs have become a favorite way to meet friends, stay active, and support meaningful causes so it’s exciting to see a new health-driven movement gaining momentum across Asia. The Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) officially launched the Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 on November 14, marking the first major activity leading up to Pulse Day 2026. More than just a run, the event aims to educate communities about arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and encourage early detection through simple habits we can all practice, like checking our own pulse.
Held during the APHRS Annual Scientific Sessions, this fun run symbolizes a global call for better heart rhythm awareness and preventive care, something truly relevant to Filipinos, given the country’s rising rates of cardiovascular conditions.
Bringing Heart Health to the Global Stage
This year’s fun run brought together 120 international participants, including members from APHRS, the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS), and delegates from EHRA, HRS, and LAHRS. Runners enjoyed a scenic morning loop around Rinko Park South Exit Plaza and visited educational booths filled with heart health information and Pulse Day-themed activities.
Dr. Dicky Armein Hanafy, Head of the Pulse Day Task Force, shared how the run serves as the soft launch of Pulse Day 2026. He explained that the goal is to tie physical activity, pulse checking, and heart disease prevention into one conversation.
According to Dr. Hanafy, “Maintaining a healthy heart rhythm isn’t just medical, it’s a lifestyle choice that starts with each person.”
Scientific Sessions Highlight Breakthroughs in Arrhythmia Care
Beyond the run, APHRS also continued its tradition of hosting annual scientific meetings featuring the latest research on arrhythmia management. Attendees participated in symposiums, lectures, and hands-on training through the APHRS Learning Village, underscoring the society’s commitment to expanding knowledge and improving arrhythmia care worldwide.
Strengthening Global Collaboration for Heart Rhythm Awareness
Last year, the public awareness campaign was led by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) together with APHRS, HRS, and LAHRS. For 2026, APHRS is taking the lead, strengthening the international push to help people “Feel the Pulse” and practice preventive health measures.
The Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 was organized with the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society (JHRS), a partnership that highlights how community-based activities can help the public take ownership of their heart health.
Pulse Day is observed globally every March 1 (1/3), a reminder that 1 in 3 people may experience a significant arrhythmia in their lifetime. Its main message: learn to check your pulse regularly.
How to check your pulse:
Place two fingers on your wrist or neck, count the beats for 30 seconds, and multiply by two. A normal resting heart rate is 60–100 bpm.
This simple step can save lives, especially when detecting Atrial Fibrillation (AF), one of the most common arrhythmias and a major focus for Pulse Day 2026.
Spotlight on Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
AF increases the risk of stroke up to five times, and heart failure up to three times, yet many people—especially in low-resource regions—remain undiagnosed. Dr. Hanafy emphasized that while medical technology continues to advance, access to quality arrhythmia care is still widely uneven.
In some Asian countries, the number of crucial procedures such as catheter ablation and ICD implantation remains drastically behind those of developed nations. APHRS aims to close this gap through training programs, research collaboration, and long-term health policy initiatives.
Technology as a Tool for Early Detection
Wearable devices and mobile health apps are becoming popular across Asia, including the Philippines. These tools can spot irregular heart rhythms early and encourage people to seek proper medical consultation. Still, APHRS stresses that manually checking your pulse remains one of the most effective and accessible ways to detect arrhythmias.
A Movement Toward a Healthier Future
Throughout the Road to Pulse Day 2026 campaign, APHRS will continue promoting educational content, expert guidance, and easy-to-follow habits that empower the public to take charge of their heart rhythm health.
The Yokohama Pulse Day Fun Run 2025 is just the beginning, a celebration of community, wellness, and the shared mission of building a heart-healthier world.
Heart health is something many Filipinos only think about once symptoms appear but events like this remind us that prevention can be simple and empowering. Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or someone trying to stay active, start making pulse checks part of your routine. Your heart will thank you later.