Joining forces to tackle global stroke risk

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, England -- More than 71 million people across the world are affected by atrial fibrillation^[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]

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. The announcement was made 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 comZoom Lebron XIII 13