Joining Forces to Tackle Global Stroke Risk
Joining Forces to Tackle Global Stroke Risk
AsiaNet 54119
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, England, Sept. 3, 2013 /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --
The AF Association announces a collaboration with Boston Scientific
Corporation, a global leader in innovative medical technology, to improve
awareness of the most common heart rhythm disorder in the world, atrial
fibrillation (AF).
More than 71 million people across the world are affected by AF[1], which
is associated with a high risk of heart failure, cognitive dysfunction,
premature death[2] and is the single biggest cardiovascularcause of stroke,
increasing risk by up to 500%.[3] AF-related strokes are more severe, more
disabling and result in higher mortality compared to non-AF strokes.[4] Not
only is the impact on individuals and their families detrimental, the economic
burden of AF stroke is huge, accounting for 2-3% of healthcare expenditure in
the European Union (EU).[5]
Today's announcement at the ESC Congress 2013, organised by the European
Society of Cardiology in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is aimed at addressing the
inefficiency in care and treatment of AF to curb the incidence of AF-related
stroke through increased education efforts and public awareness.
AF Association Founder and CEO Trudie Lobban MBE says this is a vital step
to reduce the prevalence of AF-related stroke worldwide:
"We are delighted to welcome this collaboration to extend the awareness of
AF risks and available treatment options for managing patients with AF who may
have already suffered, or might be at risk of, AF-related stroke. We see this
as an innovative alliance uniting heart and brain to redress life-limiting and
potentially fatal strokes suffered due to AF, three quarters of which could be
avoided.
"In Europe alone, two million people suffer a stroke each year - and this
number is expected to rise considerably unless we take action now. We will be
hosting a multi-disciplinary roundtable meeting with world leading experts in
cardiology and neurology, along with patient representatives to develop a
consensus report on optimum management of patients with AF at increased risk of
stroke."
The launch of the collaboration at the ESC Congress 2013 recognises the
value of uniting all those involved in AF care to improve patient outcomes and
reduce AF-related stroke risk.
Global Chief Medical Officer for Boston Scientific, Keith Dawkins, M.D.,
explained the importance of joining forces with the AF Association:
"Our mission to improve lives through medical innovation complements
efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare and educational opportunities.
We value the work of the AF Association in increasing awareness and
understanding of AF risks. At the same time, we continue to develop technology
solutions to address AF-related stroke. Together, we aim ultimately to lower
the impact of this disease on patients' lives."
We believe that this joint effort will be instrumental in raising awareness
about World Stroke Day (29 October 2013) and sharing key messages through
educational events and resources for patients, caregivers and healthcare
professionals. One of these significant events will be AF Aware Week (24-30
November 2013), which will be the first week-long global initiative to promote
better understanding of AF.
About AF Association
The AF Association is an international charity established in 2007
following requests from arrhythmia patients seeking support on this heart
rhythm disorder. There are tens of thousands of members and 30 affiliated
groups worldwide.
The charity is spearheading campaigns to make AF a healthcare priority,
including international AF Aware Week, a global petition; Sign Against Stroke,
and national initiatives to improve detection and treatment of AF.
The Association has developed an exclusive web portal for healthcare
professionals: The Heart of AF, which provides guidelines and care pathways to
promote best practice in AF care, as well as a patient information website:
http://www.afa-international.org
Notes:
1) Based on AF prevalence (1%) cited in Miyasaka, Y. et al, Circulation
2006; 114; 119-125
2) Miyasaka, Y. et al, Circulation 2006; 114; 119-125
3) AF Association and ACE, The AF Report, 2006, London
4) Lin HJ et al. Stroke 1996;27:1760-4
5) Kirchhof , P. et al, How can we avoid a stroke crisis? Working Group
Report: Stroke prevention in patients with A, 2009, Oxford PharmaGenesis Ltd
6) The AF Association provides support, information and guidance to anyone
affected by atrial fibrillation (AF). It works in partnership with patients and
clinical experts to advance the education of both the medical profession and
the general public on the risks, detection and treatment of AF.
Source: AF Association
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