HEART RHYTHM SOCIETY RAISES AWARENESS OF THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF AFIB-RELATED STROKE FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), the most common heart arrhythmia, affects more than three million Americans and is estimated to reach 12 to 16 million Americans by 2050. AFib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart fibrillate, or “quiver,” which causes a rapid, irregular heart rhythm. It can feel like a fish flopping or drums beating in your chest. For someone living with AFib, their risk of stroke is five times higher than someone else.

The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders, believes it’s essential to educate the public about the warning signs, risks, and treatment options for AFib.

A recent survey conducted by HRS and the National Stroke Association found that more than 60 percent of patients did not know they had AFib prior to stroke. Furthermore, this recent survey indicated that caregivers for stroke patients seek more education and site feeling overwhelmed and socially isolated following their loved one’s stroke. In May 2015, the Heart Rhythm Society and National Stroke Association published a study titled, HRS/NSA Survey of Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke: Gaps in Knowledge and Perspective, Opportunities for Improvement. View the publication at http://www.hrsonline.org/Practice-Guidance/Clinical-Guidelines-Documents/Impact-of-Stroke-in-Atrial-Fibrillation

To address the rise in AFib and one’s increased risk of stroke, HRS is working to improve public awareness this September during AFib Awareness Month and throughout the year. The condition can have a significant negative impact on an individual's quality of life, causing heart palpitations, chronic fatigue, and debilitating pain. For those with AFib, related strokes are twice as likely to severely disable or even result in death. Often patients do not understand that they have an increased risk of experiencing a stroke and the severity of a stroke on one’s life.

For more information, please visit MyAFib.org

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)

About the Heart Rhythm Society

The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education, and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education, and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of more than 5,800 heart rhythm professionals in more than 72 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.HRSonline.org.

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