New atrial fibrillation resource
August 26, 2014
More than 400,000 Australians across the country have an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (AF) – and these patients are up to five times more likely to have a stroke.
The risk of stroke, however, can be managed. A new free patient resource launched today – Living with atrial fibrillation – will arm patients and their families with a better understanding of their condition.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects the heart, making it beat faster and out of rhythm. People who have AF may experience a ‘pounding’ or ‘fluttering’ heartbeat known as heart palpitations, while some may experience symptoms such as an irregular pulse, dizziness, tiredness, shortness of breath or chest pain, or may feel faint or light headed. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all.
The patient resource, Living with Atrial Fibrillation, explains in simple and easy-to-understand terms what AF is and how it affects patients’ lives. The booklet contains patient stories that illustrate how the condition can impact on lives.
An active and regular gym user, Barry Prater, was diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in 2012. Less than a year later, Barry suffered a stroke. Barry warns, “I had no idea what a normal heart rate was. I thought my low heart rate was simply a sign of being fit. After exercise, however, it would sky rocket. My body was trying to tell me something.
“After my diagnosis, I struggled to find information about AF written for patients. Being well informed about AF and playing an active part in managing your own health is the key. This new resource will be welcomed by anyone affected by AF.”
There is no typical AF patient. It affects both men and women and can occur at any age, although it is more common in those over 75.3, 4 AF is common in people with high blood pressure and/or diabetes.3
National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor, said information is power and the new patient resource will help patients and their families to understand the effects of AF, particularly the risk of stroke which can be reduced if the condition is carefully managed.
“People with AF who don’t know a lot about it, those who have experienced AF type symptoms or may be at risk should speak to their doctor and find out more. Being diagnosed with AF can be a frightening experience, however patients report a significantly improved quality of life when their AF is appropriately managed,” Dr Lalor said.
“It is crucial that AF patients, as well as their family and friends, are aware of the impact and risks of AF, such as stroke and how this risk can be best managed.”
Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Anthony Mancini, said, “Patients tell us that simple and easy-to-read material about AF is needed. Living with atrial fibrillation is a free resource that comes from the collaboration between Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer and the National Stroke Foundation to help address the unmet needs of patients with atrial fibrillation.”
Pfizer Australia Managing Director, David Gallagher, said that better education and understanding of AF supports patients to improve their health outcomes. “We hope that this resource will help inform patients about how to live well with AF and minimise any risk of stroke.”
Living with atrial fibrillation is available from StrokeLine 1800 STROKE (1800 787 653)
There are a number of treatment options available for patients with AF and patients should discuss with their doctor which treatment option is best for them.
The risk of stroke, however, can be managed. A new free patient resource launched today – Living with atrial fibrillation – will arm patients and their families with a better understanding of their condition.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects the heart, making it beat faster and out of rhythm. People who have AF may experience a ‘pounding’ or ‘fluttering’ heartbeat known as heart palpitations, while some may experience symptoms such as an irregular pulse, dizziness, tiredness, shortness of breath or chest pain, or may feel faint or light headed. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all.
The patient resource, Living with Atrial Fibrillation, explains in simple and easy-to-understand terms what AF is and how it affects patients’ lives. The booklet contains patient stories that illustrate how the condition can impact on lives.
An active and regular gym user, Barry Prater, was diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in 2012. Less than a year later, Barry suffered a stroke. Barry warns, “I had no idea what a normal heart rate was. I thought my low heart rate was simply a sign of being fit. After exercise, however, it would sky rocket. My body was trying to tell me something.
“After my diagnosis, I struggled to find information about AF written for patients. Being well informed about AF and playing an active part in managing your own health is the key. This new resource will be welcomed by anyone affected by AF.”
There is no typical AF patient. It affects both men and women and can occur at any age, although it is more common in those over 75.3, 4 AF is common in people with high blood pressure and/or diabetes.3
National Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor, said information is power and the new patient resource will help patients and their families to understand the effects of AF, particularly the risk of stroke which can be reduced if the condition is carefully managed.
“People with AF who don’t know a lot about it, those who have experienced AF type symptoms or may be at risk should speak to their doctor and find out more. Being diagnosed with AF can be a frightening experience, however patients report a significantly improved quality of life when their AF is appropriately managed,” Dr Lalor said.
“It is crucial that AF patients, as well as their family and friends, are aware of the impact and risks of AF, such as stroke and how this risk can be best managed.”
Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Anthony Mancini, said, “Patients tell us that simple and easy-to-read material about AF is needed. Living with atrial fibrillation is a free resource that comes from the collaboration between Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer and the National Stroke Foundation to help address the unmet needs of patients with atrial fibrillation.”
Pfizer Australia Managing Director, David Gallagher, said that better education and understanding of AF supports patients to improve their health outcomes. “We hope that this resource will help inform patients about how to live well with AF and minimise any risk of stroke.”
Living with atrial fibrillation is available from StrokeLine 1800 STROKE (1800 787 653)
There are a number of treatment options available for patients with AF and patients should discuss with their doctor which treatment option is best for them.