Professional athletes and amateurs participated in a run dedicated to World Pulse Day – March 1st, in South Park in Sofia. The initiative “PulseDay: Run for the Rhythm of Your Heart“ is organized by the Professional Association for Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology in Bulgaria (PACEEB), in partnership with the Bulgarian Society of Cardiology.
The date March 1st was chosen not by chance, because one in three people develops atrial fibrillation in their lifetime – one of the most common arrhythmias in people. With today's initiative, we want to raise people's awareness regarding cardiac arrhythmias, because they often start asymptomatically, but their complications can be fatal, said Dr. Krasimir Dzhinsov, chairman of PACEEB and director of the National Cardiological Hospital, for BTA.
The other goals we set are to teach people to measure their pulse, as well as to promote exercise, which is free and is the best prevention of cardiovascular diseases, added Dzhinsov. He pointed out that over 200 participants of different ages had registered for the initiative and added that the event is suitable for both professionals and amateurs.
The marathon is held to show how important physical activity is, because it helps the heart to be in a better rhythm, noted Prof. Vasil Traykov from the Bulgarian Society of Cardiology and a member of the Board of Directors of PACEEB. Prizes are prepared for the winners, as well as a demonstration of an automated defibrillator, with which people will learn how they can save a life, explained Traykov.
Within the framework of the initiative, a run took place at distances of 5 km and 10 kilometers. The program also included special activities for children, as well as educational zones.