AF AWARE initiative
AF AWARE cardiology groups call for greater awareness and better education on atrial fibrillation
The World Heart Federation (WHF), Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA), Stroke Alliance For Europe (SAFE), and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) have come together to call upon their peers around the world to raise awareness and understanding of AF and its cardiovascular consequences.
AF is a common yet under-recognised and poorly understood abnormal heart rhythm that is associated with poor quality of life, substantial numbers of hospitalisations and an increased risk of severe and potentially fatal cardiovascular complications. People with AF are five times more likely to have a stroke and more than three times more likely to have heart failure than people without AF.
“Very few people truly understand the real and significant impact of atrial fibrillation”, said Professor Günter Breithardt, from the World Heart Federation. “There is an urgent need for better information for patients. AF AWARE aims to expose the poor understanding of this complex disease and to help healthcare professionals, patients, policy makers and the general public understand that comprehensive management of AF should address its multiple impacts.”
As part of its role as a partner in AF AWARE, the World Heart Federation and its local members are coordinating various educational media workshops. They will involve expert clinicians and patient groups and are designed to raise awareness about atrial fibrillation.
Read the press release >
Video
Leading physicians, patients and representatives from patient support groups talking about the significance of atrial fibrillation, associated risks and its impact on daily living.
For more information, contact Graham Minton, telephone: +41 22 807 0345