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Alliance for Aging Research
Most Americans Unaware of the Life-Saving Link
Between Irregular Heartbeat and Stroke
WASHINGTON, May 5,
2004 – Most Americans are unaware of one of the strongest risk factors
for stroke is Artrial Fibrillation (AF). Although over 60 percent of
those polled knew that atrial fibrillation is a form of irregular
heartbeat, 81 percent were unaware that AF is a major cause of stroke.
Most senior citizens do not think they are in high-risk age group.
"Over 2.2 million
Americans suffer from AF and their chances of suffering a stroke
increases with age," stated Daniel Perry, executive director of the
Alliance for Aging Research, the non-profit organization that released
the report today. "With the unprecedented aging of the Baby Boomer
population, it is imperative that Americans make the connection between
AF and stroke and take the appropriate actions necessary to prevent what
could be a life-altering, or life-ending, event."
Other key findings
include:
> Those at greatest risk for
suffering AF, those age 65 and older, do not
consider themselves within the
age group at highest risk.
> Sixty-two percent believe AF
is a risk factor for heart attack.
> Over 50 percent believe that
strokes due to atrial fibrillation can
frequently be prevented.
However, over half incorrectly identified
lowering your cholesterol as
the most effective means of preventing
strokes.
> Only 35 percent correctly
identified anticoagulants as the most
effective treatment for
preventing strokes related to AF.
For those suffering
AF, the two upper chambers of the heart (called the atria) quiver
instead of contracting effectively. When this happens, blood in these
chambers can pool and clot. If this clot become loose and travel to the
brain, it may cause a debilitation stroke. AF patients are five times
more likely to suffer a stroke than those without AF, accounting for
about 15-20 percent of all strokes nationally. Patients with AF also
tend to have more disabling first strokes compared to those without AF.
In fact, people with AF are 70 percent more likely to die from their
stroke than people without AF.
In honor of May
being National Stroke Awareness Month, the Alliance today launched an
online education campaign to raise awareness of AF and stroke. This
program is made possible through an educational sponsorship from
AstraZeneca LP. The survey questions are available for visitors to the
Alliance website at
www.agingresearch.org. Visitors can take the survey and compare
their answers to the national results. Additional resources and
information on stroke will be available.
Founded in 1986, the
Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit, independent organization
dedicated to improving the health and independence of aging Americans
through public and private funding of medical research and geriatric
education. The Alliance combines the interests of top scientists, public
officials, business executives and foundation leaders to promote a
greater national investment in research and new technologies that will
prepare our nation for the coming senior boom, and improve the quality
of life for today's older generation.
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