CARMA Center Hosts Free 5K Run or Walk to Increase Awareness of Atrial Fibrillation

July 26, 2011 - PRLog -- The University of Utah’s CARMA Center will host its second annual 5K event, “Run in Rhythm,” on September 10 on the University campus. The purpose of this free family oriented event is to increase awareness of atrial fibrillation (Afib), a heart rhythm disorder that affects more than five million Americans and causes 20% of all strokes.

To spice up the festivities, which will include music and entertainment, participants are encouraged to run or walk dressed up in lab coats, patient gowns or other medical attire. They also can honor any friends or family members who are Afib survivors. The first 500 individuals to register will receive a free Run in Rhythm 2011 5k t-shirt.

The CARMA Center provides pioneering leadership in advancing clinical treatments and research for cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation.

WHAT: “Run in Rhythm,” the CARMA Center’s second annual free family event for runners and walkers.
WHY: To increase awareness of atrial fibrillation and give participants the chance to have fun and honor friends or family members who are Afib survivors.  
WHEN: September 10 at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah.
PRIZES: Medals will be given to men and women in the following age brackets: under 18, 18-25, 25-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, over 60.

For more information or to register, please visit the Run for Rhythm page on the CARMA web site, or contact Dylan McDonnell, Dylan.mcdonnell@carma.utah.edu, (801) 587-3740.

The CARMA Center provides pioneering leadership in advancing clinical treatments and research for cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation. It is conducting the world’s most innovative research on the use of MRIs to treat atrial fibrillation and has begun a worldwide patient evaluation program at 18 international medical centers to investigate the use of delayed enhancement MRI to stage the progression of the disease. CARMA also has developed the Utah AF Staging System, which enables early detection and “personalized” treatment and management for each atrial fibrillation patient.