NATF Launches Atrial Fibrillation Action Initiative
BOSTON, Oct. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF) has launched an innovative educational initiative on risk assessment and anticoagulation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). The AF Action Initiative, led by Christian Ruff, MD, MPH, Investigator at the TIMI Study Group and Associate Physician, Cardiovascular Division at Brigham and Women's Hospital, will convene a consensus group of 29 expert researchers and clinicians in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to synthesize recent clinical trial data and guideline recommendations into one comprehensive and concise resource for education and reference for the entire medical community involved in the care of patients with AF.
"There has been an explosion of recent data," said Dr. Ruff, "and what we've realized as we've spoken to clinicians, nurses, pharmacologists, and patients is that there's a real disconnect between the exciting clinical trial data and real-world practical advice for local healthcare providers and nurses and patients. This Initiative will be an invaluable resource for clinicians and patients alike."
AF is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects at least 2.3 million adults in the U.S. As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence of AF may exceed 12 million by 2050.1,2 AF increases the risk of ischemic stroke four to five-fold among all ages, and is responsible for 15% of all strokes in the U.S.3 Stroke in patients with AF tend to be more disabling and are more likely to recur or be fatal than strokes in patients without AF.4 Most of these embolic strokes are preventable if adequate anticoagulation is utilized, yet 40% of patients at high risk for stroke are not being anticoagulated, even though they should be.5,6
The AF Action Initiative micro-site hosts resources created as part of the ongoing project, including video interviews with leading clinical experts and risk stratification tools. Visit the AF Action Initiative website for more information at: www.natfonline.org/afib-action/.
NATF is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood clots and saving lives through prevention and education. NATF supports thrombosis-related programs, such as novel research projects, innovative educational programs, public policy initiatives, and patient advocacy.
For more information, contact Erica Dour, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, at (617) 730-4120 or [email protected].
1. Fuster V et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;57(11):e101-e198. 2. Roger VL et al. Circulation. 2011;123(4):e18-e209. 3. Lin H-J et al. Stroke. 1996;27(10):1760-1764. 4. Miller PS et al. Stroke. 2005;36(2):360-366. 5. You JJ et al. Chest. 2012;141:e531S-75S. 6. Kakkar AK et al. PloS one. 2013;8:e63479.
SOURCE North American Thrombosis Forum
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