“AF AWARE” CARDIOLOGY GROUPS CALL FOR GREATER AWARENESS AND BETTER EDUCATION FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATIONThe World Heart Federation, Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA), Stroke Alliance For Europe (SAFE), and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) have come together as “AF AWARE” to call upon their peers around the world to raise awareness and understanding of atrial fibrillation and its cardiovascular consequences. AF is a common yet under-recognized and poorly understood abnormal heart rhythm that is associated with poor quality of life, substantial numbers of hospitalizations and an increased risk of severe and potentially fatal cardiovascular complications. If left untreated, they are at higher risk of experiencing stroke or other cardiovascular complications, which can have serious and debilitating consequences. In fact, 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 activities throughout the rest of the year involving expert clinicians and patient groups which are designed to raise awareness about atrial fibrillation. | |||||||
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