World Health Rhythm Week 2025: 2 June - 8 June

Why is WHRW2025 important? (Note UK references)

• Arrhythmias cause over 100,000 sudden cardiac deaths annually in the UK - more than 250 deaths every day, exceeding the combined total of deaths from breast cancer, lung cancer, and AIDS
• Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia, leads to 12,000 AF-related strokes each year - many of these strokes can be prevented with early diagnosis and appropriate anticoagulation therapy
• By age 40, everyone has a 25% lifetime risk of developing AF, which increases the risk of stroke by 500%
• 120,000 people experience unexplained loss of consciousness annually, which is often a sign of an undiagnosed heart rhythm disorder
• 39% of children and 30% of adults diagnosed with epilepsy are misdiagnosed, with many actually having an underlying arrhythmia that could be fatal 
• Currently, there is no national programme for pulse checks or heart rhythm screening in the UK. WHRW2025 aims to raise awareness and advocate for the early detection of heart rhythm disorders to save lives 

GPSA Resources:

Hearth Failure Teaching Plan

World Heart Rhythm Week website