Call to Action and key issues

1. Call to Action and key issues • The AF AWARE (Atrial Fibrillation Awareness And Risk Education) partnership is dedicated to gaining greater recognition of atrial fibrillation (AF) as a major international public health concern through exposing current misperceptions of the condition and focusing attention on the realities of the disease • AF AWARE calls for urgent steps to be taken to improve the diagnosis and care of patients with AF and the prevention of associated cardiovascular conditions • AF AWARE comprises representatives of organisations with an active interest in cardiovascular health and improving the provision of care and lives of patients

2. Call to Action and key issues • Highlight awareness of AF in order to improve its diagnosis and optimise its management • Address the lack of understanding of AF and increase awareness of the seriousness of this disease and its important links to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly the five-fold increased risk of stroke and the two-fold increase in risk of mortality • Reveal the adverse quality of life impact of AF • Illustrate the significant socio-economic burden associated with the condition • Educate healthcare professionals, patients, policy makers and the general public to understand that comprehensive management of AF should address its multiple impacts