AF Association is hosting Global AF Aware Week (GAFAW) 17-23 November 2025 to raise awareness and promote education of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) across the Globe.
AF is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder, affecting over 59 million people worldwide. It may seem invisible, but its consequences can be devastating- especially the increased risk of AF-related stroke. Individuals with AF have an increased stroke risk of up to five times, and AF-related strokes are often more severe and disabling. AF is also associated with a three-fold increased risk of developing heart failure. It is important that individuals who have AF understand their risk and are educated on how to properly treat and reduce their risk of developing heart failure.
The good news? Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent around two-thirds of AF-related strokes and reduce the risk of serious comorbidities such as heart failure. That is why awareness is so important- not to alarm, but to empower. A simple pulse check could be the first step to protecting your heart and reclaiming your life.
GAFAW is an annual awareness campaign held on the third week of November to promote awareness and save lives from this common yet little understood heart rhythm condition. This year’s theme, ‘Reset the Rhythm, Reclaim your Life,’ highlights the fact that AF does not have to control your life. With early detection, timely treatment and support, people with AF can live fully and fearlessly.
By bringing organisations, associations, societies, public, patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, allied health professionals, and policy makers together, we can raise awareness and enhance AF care worldwide through our Detect, Protect, and Correct approach:
- DETECT: AF with a simple pulse check or mobile one-lead ECG – Know Your Pulse to Know Your Heart Rhythm – It Could Save Your Life
- PROTECT: Against AF-related stroke with anticoagulation therapy
- CORRECT: AF with access to appropriate treatments
There are many effective treatment options, and the sooner someone receives treatment, the greater the success of complete recovery.
Not only would early detection and treatment save lives, but it would also ease the burden on the NHS and save millions on healthcare costs.
GAFAW calls on governments to help increase awareness and access to AF Rapid Access Clinics.
AF Association urges you to get involved in sharing our resources and awareness efforts. The charity has created a toolkit for ease in promoting this important awareness week, including social media posts and resource packs that are available free of charge.
Mrs Trudie Lobban, MBE, Founder of AF Association said,
“Awareness is the key to early diagnosis of AF. The earlier that AF is detected, the better the outcomes are.
We look forward to raising awareness along with our partners across the globe as we encourage individuals to Reset the Rhythm to Reclaim their Life.”
Jim, a patient from Sussex, commented, “Thank you to the AF Association for all their help- having seen a poster highlighting the importance of monitoring your pulse, it prompted me to check mine, as I had been having some palpitations. This was a good job I did as I was diagnosed with AF. Without the support of the AF Association I would never have considered that ‘Know Your Pulse‘ could potentially save me from an AF-related stroke.”
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