News
AF explained
DTMI, May 2013
Chris Granger MD from Duke Transnational Medicine Institute explains what atrial fibrillation is.
Systematic screening for atrial fibrillation 'better than routine GP practice'
Pulse, 14 May 2013
Systematic screening in GP practices for atrial fibrillation could identify more people with the disease than routine practice, according to a gold-standard review.
Reseachers develop new 3-D technology to treat atrial fibrillation
MedicalXpress.com, 11 May 2013
Researchers at the Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center have developed a new 3-D technology that for the first time allows cardiologists the ability to see the precise source of atrial fibrillation in the heart – a breakthrough for a condition that affects nearly three million Americans.
Dietary antioxidants linked to reduced postoperative AF
Family Practice News, 10 May 2013
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery who ate a diet rich in antioxidants developed significantly fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation, compared with patients who consumed fewer antioxidants, in a review of 217 patients from one Italian center.
Encouraging 4 year results for Boston Scientific's Watchman device in AF patients
Forbes, 10 May 2013
Encouraging long-term results from the PROTECT AF trial comparing the Watchman left atrial appendage closure device to warfarin in atrial fibrillation patients were presented yesterday at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting in Denver.
Continuous warfarin safer in ablation
Medpage, 10 May 2013
Keeping warfarin on board for an atrial fibrillation ablation procedure is safer than bridging with heparin, a randomised trial showed.
Guildford pulse checks find 15 people with AF
AF Association, 20 April 2013
Thanks to the Guildford Rotary Club who held a pulse and blood pressure awareness event today!
A total of 350 pulses were checked, 15 people had AF and one young girl was detected with atrial tachycardia.
This proves how important it is to know your pulse. It is the easiest and quickest way to detect heart rhythm disorders, like AF.
Thousands receive inadequate stroke treatment
AF Association, 19 April 2013
AF Association welcomes findings that, in 2012, more patients received vital anticoagulation treatment than ever before in the UK. Yet, about 50% of all AF patients are still prescribed aspirin despite overwhelming evidence that it is inadequate for stroke risk prevention in AF. Many doctors continue to prescribe aspirin instead of an anticoagulant because of the misconception over safety.
The latest from AntiCoagulation Self-Monitoring Alliance (ACSMA)
ACSMA, April 2013
Read about what ACSMA has been up to in 2013 so far. The alliance comprises of four charities; AF Association, AntiCoagulation Europe (ACE), the Children's Heart Federation and the Mechanical Heart Valve Support Group, as well as the healthcare company; Roche.
New ECG app available to AF Association members!
11 April 2013
The AliveCor Heart Monitor phone app is being offered to AF Association members before it is officially launched in the UK.
New Drugs Better Value Than Warfarin
medpagetoday.com, 9 April 2013
The three newest anticoagulants -- dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto) -- are cost-effective relative to warfarin for preventing stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, researchers found.
A new role for NICE in social care
NICE, 1 April 2013
From 1st April 2013 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) assumed new responsibilities for developing guidance and quality standards for adult and children’s social care.
Electrode vest gives hope to heart rhythm patients
BBC, 29 March 2013
Doctors are using special vests to precisely diagnose abnormal heart rhythms, in the first UK tests of their kind.
Cardiologists from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in west London say the vests have enabled them to successfully treat more patients.
They hope the technology could eventually help more people suffering from heart palpitations.
Our sister charity, the Arrythmia Alliance, described the tests as a "fantastic development".
Free pulse and blood pressure check!
Rotary Club of Guildford and AF Association, March 2013
Have your pulse and blood pressure checked during your weekly shop at Tesco in Guildford, Surrey on Saturday 20th April 9am-5pm. High blood pressure and atrial fibrillation are major risk factors for stroke. A simple pulse check and blood pressure check can detect if you are at risk.
Plans for new world-class cardiac centre for AF care
AF Association, 27 March 2013
One of the largest heart rhythm centres in the world will be created in the UK if plans to merge the cardiovascular services of two London hospitals are given the go ahead.
AF Association welcomes research into alternative therapies for AF
AF Association, 22 March 2013
AF Association welcomes findings that yoga and acupressure can help some people with the most common heart rhythm disorder in the UK; atrial fibrillation (AF).
New phone app to detect AF
AliveCor, March 2013
A new smartphone app will soon be available in the UK, which could help detect or monitor heart rhythm disorders, like AF.
Person-centred approach is vital in hypertension
NICE, 20 March 2013
NICE published a new quality standard for the management of hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults, advocating that a person-centred approach is fundamental in delivering high-quality care to adults with the condition.
AF is harder to live with for women
Medscape, March 2013
Atrial fibrillation feels worse for women, although men are more likely to die from the arrhythmia, a subanalysis of the ORBIT AF registry showed. Women were more symptomatic with a poorer quality of life and greater functional limitations despite similar oral anticoagulation rates and less advanced Afib than was seen in men, Jonathan Piccini, MD, of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, and colleagues found.
Research into improving outcomes for pregnant women with pre-existing health conditions
Kings College London, 15 March 2013
A research team based at Kings College London plan to conduct research aimed at improving outcomes for pregnant women with pre-existing health conditions. In the first instance they plan to focus on evaluating the way decisions are made about treatment and care of pregnant women who have either pre-existing cardiac conditions or pre-existing diabetes.
Dabigatran might cut hospital days Vs. standard anticoagulants in new AF
theHeart.org, 14 March 2013
There are more options than ever when starting anticoagulation therapy in patients with a new diagnosis of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), but some may get the patient out the hospital doors faster than others. A small retrospective study suggests that choosing one of the newer oral agents that don't call for extra steps in getting anticoagulation levels to target, the way warfarin typically does, can help cut a significant number of hours, maybe more than a day, off hospitalization time.
Read more - please note, you will be prompted to login to access this website
Ticker terror!
Full House, 14 March 2013
My racing heart made me too scared to go out with my kids.
AF Association welcomes government's first step to improve management of AF; prevent strokes; save lives
Dept of Health, 7 March 2013
The Department of Health published the Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy. The implications for AF patients are considerable. The strategy calls for improved early diagnosis, assessment of risks and effective management of symptoms and risk factors.
Ablation of AF improves exercise capacity in heart-failure patients
Heart.org, 5 March 2013
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is superior to rate control for improving exercise performance in individuals with heart failure, according to the results of a small, randomised study.
Read more - please note, you maybe prompted to login to this free site.
NICE recommends new treatment for AF
NICE, 27 February 2013
NICE has published guidelines recommending the use of apixaban as a treatment option to prevent AF-related stroke.
Public Consultation: CCG Outcomes Indicator Set
NICE, February 2013
Formerly known as the Commissioning Outcomes Framework, the Clinical Commissioning Groups Outcomes Indicator Set (CCG OIS) aims to support clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and improve the quality of patient care across England.
As part of the process to develop the Clinical Commissioning Group Outcomes Indicator Set (CCGOIS) patients, carers and the public have the opportunity to comment on potential new indicators.
The consultation closes at 5pm on 1st March 2013.
The consultation webpage is here
Early day motion in Parliament
Encourage your MP to sign this early day motion to highlight the plight of atrial fibrillation in the UK and the associated increased risk of stroke. It is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the country yet diagnosis and effective treatment remains relatively low. We need your support to push your local MP to sign this motion and raise the issue in the House of Commons.
Patients asked about their experience with catheter ablation
Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology
A patient satisfaction survey found that most AF patients are satisfied with the AF ablation experience.
New anticoagulant approved by NICE
NICE, 23 January 2013
GPs have been handed another alternative to warfarin after NICE gave preliminary approval to a new treatment to prevent stroke in AF.
NICE recommends blood pressure device that can help prevent stroke
NICE, 23 January 2013
A new device that allows GPs and practice nurses to detect pulse irregularities and pick up cases of atrial fibrillation whilst measuring blood pressure has been recommended by NICE.
Nominate a stroke hero!
Do you know someone affected by stroke who has made great achievements in their recovery or towards the stroke cause? This includes stroke survivors and others who support stroke. Nominate them for the 2013 Life After Stroke Awards! The deadline for nominations is 1 March 2013.
Find out more and download a nomination form
Researchers develop virtual heart to study atrial fibrillation
Fierce Health, 17 Janurary 2013
The creation of an advanced computational model of a sheep's heart is enabling researchers at the University of Manchester to discover new information about the development of atrial fibrillation, according to a paper published online this week in the British journal Interface Focus.
Expert advice from Echo resident doctors and Wearside GPs Dr Ashley Liston and Dr Tracey Lucas
Sunderland Echo, January 2013
It is easy to take for granted the amazing property of our blood to clot whenever we have a cut on our skin.
Simple test to prevent stroke - WatchBP
Daily Express, 16 January 2013
A simple test at the doctor’s could save thousands of lives a year by detecting a killer irregular heartbeat. A new blood pressure device which can also spot a dangerous heart condition has been approved for use in England from today.
A review of the accuracy of blood pressure monitors for the detectio of AF
Expert Reviews, 2012
Automated blood pressure monitors with implemented AF or arrhythmia detection systems may be a useful tool for early diagnosis of AF. A systematic review of studies was performed to assess the accuracy of modified BP monitors for diagnosing AF.
NICE update on WatchBP Home A for opportunistically detecting AF during diagnosis and monitoring of hypertension
NICE, 21 December 2012
Exploring the links between plants and medicine
21 December 2012
The Fox Got You is a photographic art and science project exploring the links between six common plants, five major medicinal drugs and the research into four types of cellular structures. Read more to find out how you could get involved.
Take Action Now - Action Plan launched
12 December 2012
Take Action Now – a practical Action Plan for effective patient advocacy against AF-related stroke. The Action Plan published today was developed by the AF Association in partnership with AntiCoagulation Europe (ACE), Arrhythmia Alliance and Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) as a guide to campaigning for the effective management of AF patients at risk of stroke. Click here to learn how your advocacy can make use of the Action Plan.
Raised risk of ischemic stroke in women with AF explored
MedicalXpress.com, 10 December 2012
Women with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher risk of ischemic stroke than men with AF, related in part to differences in the percent time in the therapeutic range (TTR) associated with warfarin anticoagulation control, according to research published in the American Journal of Cardiology.
Defibrillator training for all GPs urged to cut deaths
Irish Times, 6 December 2012
The number of deaths in Ireland caused by sudden cardiac arrest would be greatly reduced if GPs were equipped with and trained in the use of defibrillators, a new study has found.
Oliver King heart death: Defibrillator petition 'ignored'
BBC News, 22 November 2012
The father of a Liverpool boy who died of a heart condition has criticised the government for "ignoring" a petition to put defibrillators in public buildings.
Read more
Join our campaign to place 500 public-access defibrillators across the UK; Hearts & Goals
Apixaban gets EU OK for stroke prevention in AF
Medpage Today, 21 November 2012
The European Commission, the European Union's equivalent to the FDA, has approved the use of apixaban (Eliquis) for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Charity has plan to save NHS £96m
Cotswold Journal, 19 November 2012
A campaign launched by a Shipston charity, which could save the NHS £96 million, has been backed by MPs.
Top heart rhythm specialist leads debate on treatment
Cambridge News, 6 November 2012
A consultant cardiologist at Papworth Hospital is leading the way in discussing developments for people whose hearts have an irregular beat.
Fish oils flop for Afib prevention
MedPage Today, 5 November 2012
Perioperative treatment with fish oil failed to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation, researchers reported in an online first edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Heartbeat 'could power pacemaker'
BBC, 5 November 2012
A device which could harness energy from a beating heart can produce enough electricity to keep a pacemaker running, according to researchers.
Children born with thin placenta at high risk of cardiac arrest later in life
Counsel & Heal, 5 November 2012
Following the publication of research, which reveals infants born with a thin placenta are twice as likely to die of a sudden cardiac arrest later in life when compared to others, a leading professor suggests that doctors must take a series of measures into consideration at birth to identify babies with such risk.
New report confirms Europe is on the brink of stroke crisis
Financial Post, 29 October 2012
Europe remains at risk of a devastating stroke crisis, according to a major new Report, “How Can We Avoid a Stroke Crisis in Europe?” published today, on World Stroke Day, by Action for Stroke Prevention (ASP). Alarmingly, the Report highlights that the first time many people will find out they have AF is when they have a stroke.
Policymakers join the call for the prevention of atrial fibrillation-related strokes to be made a national healthcare priority
Financial Post, 24 October 2012
Ahead of World Stroke Day 2012 (October 29), European Policy Makers have joined over 90 Medical and Patient Organisations (including the AF Association), and more than 100,000 people, in supporting the Global Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Patient Charter and calling for National Governments and the World Health Organisation to act to make the prevention of AF-related strokes a priority.
GRASP the Initiative: a report into prevention of AF-related stroke
AF Association, 24 October 2012
The AF Association initiated a report; GRASP the Initiative, which found that 8,000 strokes could be prevented every year with the use of a detection tool, called GRASP-AF. This could save countless lives and avoid long-term disability from AF-related stroke, which is particularly debilitating. The NHS could also save £96million if this tool is rolled out across all GP surgeries.
The Arrhythmia Alliance launches Hearts & Goals
15 October 2012
Our sister charity, the Arrhythmia Alliance, has launched a national campaign with footballer, Fabrice Muamba to tackle the UK's biggest killer: sudden cardiac arrest. Find out more about Hearts & Goals.
NHS London Head: Hundreds died over stroke care delay
BBC, 12 October 2012
Hundreds of people died or were left with lasting disabilities after delays in changing stroke care, the head of the NHS in London has said.
Stroke sufferers are getting younger
The Telegraph, 11 October 2012
Younger people are increasingly suffering strokes because of their unhealthy lifestyle, research has found. The average of someone suffering a stroke has fallen from 71 years in 1993/4 to 69 years in 2005 and study published in the journal Neurology found.
MP calls for public access to defibrillators
Modest Proposals, 5 October 2012
Grahame Morris MP proposes that wider access to defibrillators in workplaces and other public areas will help save the lives of people suffering sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of death in Europe.
Cancer, heart and stroke specialists face NHS axe
The Guardian, 4 October 2012
The fight against Britain's biggest killer diseases could be hit by NHS plans to cut the number of dedicated teams of experts widely lauded for their work to improve care, doctors and health charities have warned.
Moderate drinking of alcohol can increase atrial fibrillation risk in heart disease patients
Medical News Today, 2 October 2012
Moderate consumption of alcohol may result in an increased risk of atrial fibrillation among individuals with heart disease and progressive diabetes, according to a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
Arthroplasty wound complications linked to anticoagulant use
News Medical, 21 September 2012
Patients recovering from hip or knee arthroplasty face a hard choice, according to new research. Wound comlications were found to be more common when the patient was taking the blood thinner rivaroxaban, rather than a form of heparin. However, heparin was linked to a higher rate of deep vein thrombosis.
Two in five AF patients go untreated
21 September 2012
Two out of every five atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in the USA are still not taking anticoagulation medicines, more than two years after the approval of a new, easier to manage drug, dabigatran.
European Medicines Agency clears apixaban
Heartwire, 21 September 2012
Oral factor Xa inhibitor apixaban may soon be available to European patients to reduce the risk of stroke or systemic embolization associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), following a positive review from the European Medicines Agency.
Too sick to understand - the failure of pre-operative information for patients
Heartwire, 18 September 2012
Information patients are given before having an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) fitted is "characterised by patient misinformation and a lack of attention to psychosocial and long term risks", a US study has found.
Innovative AF surgery in the USA
Daily Finance, 17 September 2012
Sentara Heart Hospital, Virginia US, is leading the way in an innovative Atrial Fibrillation (AF) procedure for what is typically the most difficult to treat or persistent, forms of AF. This past week, surgeons and cardiologists at Sentara Heart Hospital were the first in the world to begin performing surgeries in the Dual Epicardial Endocardial Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Study (Staged DEEP) feasibility trial.
Asian AF patients benefit from dabigatran
menafn.com, 12 September 2012
Asia's eight million AF sufferers are healthier thanks to better drug management. Analysis of the RE-LY trial shows that Asian patients benefited from dabigatran, which had much better outcomes regarding stroke prevention and bleeding when compared to warfarin.
Rivaroxaban sent back to FDA for approval
Cardiovascular Business, 9 September 2012
Bayer Healthcare's partner, Janssen Research & Development, has submitted the additional information requested by the US Food & Drugs Administration, following initial rejection of the drug rivaroxaban in June.
Increasing percentage of AF patients aware of increased stroke risk
Medical Xpress, 6 September 2012
Awareness-raising campaigns seem to be paying off, as the percentage of Americans correctly linking AF to a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke increases to 64%, a study has found.
Alcohol may increase AF risk
theheart.org, 29 August 2012
A new study may indicate that alcohol is a contributory factor to AF, writes Dr John Mandrola.
VIDEO: new ESC guidelines for management of AF-related stroke
theheart.org, 29 August 2012
The guidelines are part of the more general AF revision, and include the notable change of a new stroke risk-assessment tool.
Apixaban: a good choice for AF patients with renal dysfunction?
theheart.org, 29 August 2012
The new oral anticoagulant, apixaban, can claim to be more effective than warfarin in preventing stroke or systemix embolism in AF patients, regardless of renal function, following the publication of a new analysis of the ARISTOTLE study.
Newly Revised ESC Guidelines Include LAA Closure Devices
Boston Scientific, 27 August 2012
European regulators have approved an expanded indication for the Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) WATCHMAN® Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Closure Device. The new indication offers patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and a contraindication to warfarin and the newer oral anticoagulants, a new treatment option for stroke reduction.
Intermittent Rhythm Monitoring fails to identify AF
Cardiac Rhythm News, 23 August 2012
Intermittent Rhythm Monitoroting (IRM) has been found to significantly underestimate the numbers of people with AF, as it fails to identify rhythm disturbances. The study, published in the journal Circulation,concluded that this has led to over-optimistic assessment of the percentage of AF patients succesfully treated.
European Society of Cardiology updates AF guidelines
theheart.org, 26 August 2012
Dr John Mandrola outlines the key changes to watch out for at ESC 2012, including prescription of new oral anticoagulants, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and apixaban; reducing the use of aspirin as a blood thinner; and a new risk-assessment tool.
European Society of Cardiology backs new blood thinners
Businessweek.com, 24 August 2012
New oral anticoagulants produced by pharmaceutical companies Boehringer and Bayer, "offer efficacy, safety and convenience", according to new guidelines issued by the European Society of Cardiology.
AF and dementia - what's the link?
Medpage Today, 17 August 2012
It's easy to see that AF, which increase the risk of potentially brain-damaging stroke, can make dementia more likely. However, new research suggests that there is link even when a stroke does not occur.
Chronic Kidney Disease Increases Stroke Risk in A-Fib
JAAPA, 15 August 2012
Patients with atrial fibrillation who have chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of stroke or systemic thromboembolism and bleeding.
Silent stroke symptoms may kill millions
Bizcommunity.com, 13 August 2012
South Africa has joined the worldwide movement to educate the public on the symptoms and dangers of atrial fibrillation (AF), an under-diagnosed, under-treated and potentially life threatening condition.
In AF, shape may matter
MedPage.com, 7th August 2012
The shape of the left atrial appendage may have something to do with the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, researchers found.
HSE to fund blood-thinning drug for certain patients
The Irish Times, 31st July 2012
A heart drug that could prevent up to seven strokes a week that the Health Service Executive (HSE) had refused to fund will now be funded for some, according to the HSE.
New "weekend effect" seen in American cardiac care
American Medical News, 30th July 2012
Patients hospitalised on weekends in America with atrial fibrillation have higher death rates. A national initiative helped eliminate the weekend gap in heart attack care.
Increased Pulse Pressure Independently Predicts Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Care, 30th July 2012
A total of 350 type 2 diabetic patients, who were free from AF at baseline, were followed for 10 years. Findings suggest that increased PP independently predicts incident AF in patients with type 2 diabetes.
British rower Tom James back in action after recurrence of heart problem
The Telegraph, 27th July 2012
Tom James, Britain’s coxless fours Olympic champion, has revealed that he missed training on Wednesday because of a recurrence of the heart condition he developed during the winter. Following a January diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, which is now managed by medication, James is taking no risks.
London 2012: Preventing sudden cardiac arrest on the world's biggest athletic stage
www.TheHeart.org, 26th July 2012
At least four elite athletes have been felled by sudden cardiac death in recent months, including soccer star Fabrice Muamba, who arrested but miraculously survived. Dr Sanjay Sharma and his cardiology team are doing everything possible to make sure a major cardiac event doesn't grab the spotlight on sports' biggest international stage.
How jellyfish created in a lab could help cut toll of heart deaths: First step towards "biological pacemakers"
Daily Mail, 24th July 2012
Scientists have created an artificial jellyfish which they hope could change the face of pacemakers forever.
Read more
New ablation techniques doubles success against atrial fibrillation
MassDevice.com, 20th July 2012
Researchers double their success in treating patients with cardiac rhythm disorders by targeting electrical "hot spots" in the heart.
Aspirin Vs. Warfarin: which is better?
Harrogate Advertiser, 20th July 2012
Taking aspirin to reduce blood-clotting is “as safe and just as effective as warfarin”, The Daily Telegraph has today reported. Both drugs have long been used to prevent potentially dangerous blood clots, but there is much debate over which is better for patients.
Free training for disabled people
www.cdp.org.uk, 18th July 2012
A project that offers free training to disabled people in Warwickshire is holding fortnightly drop-in events in the following locations:Coventry, Stratford, Warwick, Leamington, Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The ASPIRE project is open to people aged 17 to 65 and offers training sessions to help build confidence and communication skills.
50 years of cardiothoracic surgery
July 2012
Since the 1950s heart surgery has advanced rapidly, with surgeons able to perform increasinly complex operations, with an astonishing degree of success. This interesting paper outlines the history of cardiac healthcare.
Glyn Davies MP speaks out on looming AF epidemic
ITV Wales, 3rd July 2012
Glyn Davies, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Atrial Fibrillation, spoke on ITV Wales to raise awareness of the burden of AF on personal health and public finances.
He made the comments following the launch of the Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Expert report (SAFE), which concluded that the five-fold increase in the risk of stroke caused by AF is not being effectively managed, with many doctors continuing to prescribe aspirin over other anti-coagulants, despite its unsuitability for preventing stroke.
Demographic indications in AF
Medpage Today, 17th February 2012
It's often assumed that different groups of people have roughly the same chance of developing a health problem, and that any problem will affect people in the same way. However, research indicates that this is not the case. Gender and ethnic background can affect your chance of developing a condition, and the consequences for your health. Atrial Fibrillation is no exception, as this article explains.
The latest Touch Briefings ‘European Cardiology’, Volume 8 Issue 2
As part of a Media partnership with Touch Briefings, AFA members receive free eBook access to Touch Briefings ‘European Cardiology’ Volume 8 Issue 2
European Cardiology – Volume 8 Issue 2 – examines the relationship between telemonitoring and cardiovascular care. Notably, in heart failure, large randomised trials have failed to demonstrate positive effects of telemonitoring on re-hospitalisation. Here, Andreas Montara examines the possible explanations for the negative results and suggests the need to move towards a new model of telemonitoring, underpinned not only by investments in technologies but most crucially in personnel and organisation.
Click through to: European Cardiology, Volume 8 Issue 2
For more information please visit: www.touchcardiology.com
Heart rhythm patients at risk as doctors prescribe "easy option" aspirin
Daily Mail, 3rd July 2012
Thousands of people with the most common heart rhythm problem are at risk of strokes because GPs are taking the ‘cheap and easy’ option of prescribing them aspirin, experts warn.
Their report estimates that a total of 360,000 with a life-threatening heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF) are going untreated or wrongly using aspirin.
Mariam Harkin MEP signs Global Charter
Stephen Mosley MP signing the AF Pledge
Michael McCann MP adds his name to the AF Pledge