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