Global public awareness about atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Essentials Early recognition of atrial fibrillation helps in stroke prevention.Survey in 10 countries to assess public awareness of atrial fibrillation.Overall global awareness of atrial fibrillation was 48%.Less than 46% of participants were aware atrial fibrillation leads to stroke. BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is an important cause of ischemic stroke that often remains undetected until stroke occurs. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms is important so that AF can be diagnosed and thromboprophylaxis given. However, the extent of public awareness of AF is uncertain. We assessed public awareness of AF across six continents and compared it with that of other thrombotic and non‐thrombotic disorders.MethodsIn collaboration with Ipsos‐Reid, we conducted an internet‐based, cross‐sectional survey between September and October of 2016 in 10 countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Thailand, the Netherlands, Uganda, United Kingdom, and United States. Participants were selected from survey panels in weighted, age‐stratified categories (40‐60, 61‐74, and ≥75 years). The survey included 11 questions about demographics and assessed awareness about AF, as well as that of other thrombotic and non‐thrombotic disorders. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.ResultsOf a total of 6312 respondents, overall awareness of AF was 48% (95% CI, 46‐50%), which was lower than awareness about other thrombotic and non‐thrombotic disorders except for deep vein thrombosis (awareness 43%, 95% CI, 41‐45%). Awareness about AF ranged from 25% to 69% across countries, while awareness of the risk factors for AF ranged from 8% to 52%, and awareness that AF leads to stroke ranged from 36% to 46%. Among those reporting awareness of AF, 82% correctly identified palpitations as an AF symptom.ConclusionsGlobal public awareness of AF is low. Improving awareness may empower patients to seek timelier stroke preventive care.

Impact of World Thrombosis Day campaign

“…In addition to increasing awareness of thrombotic conditions among the general public, the steering committee for World Thrombosis Day also aims to make scholarly contributions as we partner with health professionals in the field. We have written: a systematic review of the global burden of thrombosis, surveys of awareness of venous thromboembolism and atrial fibrillation, and a position statement on the need for risk assessment for venous thromboembolism to be conducted on all hospitalized patients…”

“…Despite the accomplishments since launching World Thrombosis Day in 2014, there remain many opportunities to grow and amplify our impact across the world, as evidenced by the aforementioned awareness surveys . One important question is “Are we missing your support?” We would appreciate your involvement in World Thrombosis Day.…”

Development and Validation of an Atrial Fibrillation Knowledge Assessment Tool (AFKAT)

“…The literature suggests that approximately 30% of older people are not able to identify signs of AF, and nearly 50% are not aware of AF as a medical condition [2,4]. Patients with a new diagnosis of AF may have limited knowledge regarding AF symptoms [5,6], and approximately 40% of these patients report being unaware of AF prior to their diagnosis [7].…”

What you don't know can kill you

“…3 To better understand the global awareness of AF, Wendelboe and colleagues conducted a global survey to quantify public awareness of AF in comparison to other thrombotic and non-thrombotic illnesses. 4 Unsurprisingly, they found less than half (48%) of those surveyed were aware of AF. This differed considerably from the high awareness of heart attacks (74%), stroke (81%), human immunodeficiency/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS; 80%), breast cancer (81%), and prostate cancer (78%).…”