WORLD ATRIAL FIBRILLATION Awareness DAY Successfully
Commemorated Across the Globe

Kansas City, KS [Date]– The “World Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Day” was commemorated on September 13^th across the globe. Several cities organized Atrial Fibrillation related awareness events. AF Awareness Yoga sessions, Run/Walk programs took place in Kansas City, Tulsa, Scottsdale, Little Rock, and Hyderabad India with a focus on patient education, promoting research and access to better care. Global Atrial Fibrillation Alliance Foundation (www.global-af-alliance.org) has worked closely with several professional organizations, physicians and hospitals to bring the AF education to the forefront through World AF Awareness Day. It strives to create increased awareness amongst general public about this most common heart rhythm condition that affects more than 20 million people in the world and is a major cause of stroke, heart failure and heart attacks.

Peggy J. Dunn, the Mayor of Leawood Kansas, presented a Proclamation by the Governor of Kansas recognizing World Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Day to be held the second Saturday of September. The events in KC included a short Yoga session with breathing and relaxation and asanas followed by a 5/10K Run/Walk. Several participants including young children, patients, physicians and pets participated in the event. In his statement, Dr. Dhanunjaya (DJ) Lakkireddy, Founder of GAFA stressed the urgent need for AF education on the global front. He said that –“Atrial Fibrillation is a global panacea with a terrible impact on physical and socioeconomic aspects. Early recognition and treatment of AF is critical to reducing the burden of stroke, congestive heart failure and heart attacks.”

Oklahoma Heart Institute hosted a community yoga night with sponsor Lululemon in recognition of World Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Day, on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 in downtown Tulsa, OK at Guthrie Green. More than 80 people were in attendance as Oklahoma Heart Institute cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. David Sandler spoke about the importance of this day and the benefits of yoga for people living with Afib. Oklahoma Heart Institute yoga mats were also given to attendees. 

Little Rock Arkansas held its first annual World Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Day 5K Family Fun Run & Walk was held Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 at the North Shore River Walk in North Little Rock, Ark. “The event is designed to increase awareness about the most common abnormal heart rhythm and promote healthy lifestyles for people living with atrial fibrillation,” said Raj Chakka, M.D., cardiologist & electrophysiologist, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rapid and abnormal heart rhythms at CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic Arkansas and the Jack Stephens Heart Institute at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary.

“AFib patients may need to take medication to reduce the risk of blood clots for their entire lives, even after the heart rhythm is restored, to reduce the risk of stroke. AFib patients’ risk for stroke is five times higher than someone without AFib. The rapid heartbeat allows blood to swirl and pool in the top chamber of the heart, which can cause clots to form. If the clot gets dislodged and goes to the brain, it will lead to a stroke,” Chakka said. “But with treatment and a healthy lifestyle AFib patients can have very active lives and can run, bike, swim or do just about any other physical activity.”

About GAFA: Global Atrial Fibrillation Alliance (GAFA) Foundation leads worldwide efforts in creating improved awareness for early detection, treatment and prevention of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Global AF Alliance, a public not for profit patient-physician-industry partnership (501-c3) whose goal is to improve awareness, access to care for patients with atrial fibrillation. Several prominent electrophysiologists, surgeons, and other thought leaders are an active part of this organization. This organization also strives towards a global fund raising effort to support important clinical and basic research in atrial fibrillation through professional bodies like the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), American College of Cardiology (ACC) Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA).

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