Pulse Day

Have you listened to your heart lately? March 1st is global arrhythmia awareness day, otherwise known as Pulse Day. Launched in 2023, this initiative aims to inform and spur the French population into action about an alarming statistic: one in three people will develop arrhythmia in their lifetime. This often silent condition can have serious consequences, but there are simple strategies to detect and prevent it. 

Why is Pulse Day essential? 

Pulse Day emphasizes a simple yet crucial practice: taking your pulse on a regular basis. This is something everyone can do and is a key step in detecting potential heart rhythm disorders – and in seeking medical advice when necessary.

How do I take my pulse? 

Taking your pulse consists in placing your index and middle fingers on an artery close to the surface of the skin, like the one in your wrist, to feel your heartbeat. The pulse must be measured for 60 seconds in order to count the number of heart beats per minute (bpm). A normal heart rate is between 60 and 90 bpm and has a steady, regular rhythm. If the heartbeat is irregular (skipped beats, unexplained acceleration or slowing down), it is crucial that you see a doctor for additional tests.  

Checking your pulse regularly offers many benefits: 

• No special equipment is required. 
• Can be performed anywhere, at any time.
• Helps detects warning signs before the onset of serious symptoms. 

The aims of Pulse Day:

1. Learn to take your pulse and recognize abnormal signs: A workshop* will be organized to show participants how to detect an irregular pulse.
2. Understand why monitoring your heart rate is crucial: Conferences and experts will offer detailed explanations on the relationship between arrhythmia and serious complications such as stroke.
3. Encourage simple preventive measures: In addition to checking the pulse, recommendations will be given on the importance of a healthy lifestyle with exercise, a balanced diet and stress management.
4. Promote early detection: A reminder that even in the absence of symptoms, regular screening can save lives.

Key figures:

• One in three people will develop arrhythmia in their lifetime.
• 1,000,000 people in France are affected by atrial fibrillation.

Undetected atrial fibrillation multiplies the risk of stroke by five.

 

*To learn more and discover how to take your pulse:
 

Media contacts:
- Pascale Launay, Chief Communications Officer: pascale.launay@ahparis.org / +33 6 23 22 71 33
- Christian d’Oléon, DGM Conseil: chrisdo@dgm-conseil.fr / +33 6 08 49 89 07

About Pulse Day: Pulse Day is a global initiative to educate the public about the importance of early screening and prevention of heart rhythm disorders.
https://www.escardio.org/Sub-specialty-communities/European-Heart-Rhythm-Association-%28EHRA%29/Advocacy/pulse-day