A new White Paper on atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke, developed by a group of experts is now available. With at least one in five people aged over 40 expected to develop AF in their lifetime, this isn’t an issue we can afford to ignore.
In 2013, stroke was responsible for 9% of all deaths in Europe. AF is associated with at least one in five strokes, and AF-related strokes tend to be more severe than other types of stroke. The tools needed to detect AF exist, and there are effective therapies available to reduce the risk of AF-related stroke. However, inequalities still exist when it comes to detection and treatment. Much more needs to be done to ensure everyone with AF has access to the care they need.
The White Paper calls on governments across Europe to express a formal strategy or position on AF-related stroke and address this significant challenge to the future sustainability of our healthcare systems.
