FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kennesha Baldwin
Heart Rhythm Society
(202) 464-3476
kbaldwin@HRSonline.org
WASHINGTON, June 03, 2011 — The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) applauds the introduction of House Resolution 295 on Thursday night by Representative Kay Granger (R-TX), Representative Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Representative Charles Gonzalez (D-TX). The resolution will support efforts by the HRS and other stakeholders to raise public awareness of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) by enhancing the quality of care and patient safety, advancing research and education, and improving access to appropriate medical treatment for patients suffering from AF.
“The Heart Rhythm Society commends Representative Granger for taking a leadership role in bringing national attention to Atrial Fibrillation, which impacts about 2.5 million Americans each day,” said Bruce L. Wilkoff, MD, FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. “We will continue to seek support for this resolution from other members of Congress in the hopes that it is passed into law, which would help to build greater awareness among patients and the public about the disease.”
About Atrial Fibrillation
During AF, the top chambers of the heart (the atria) are beating as often as 300 times per minute — about four times faster than normal — and the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart are beating 100-150 times per minute. AF not only causes heart palpitations, fatigue and debilitating pain, it dramatically increases the risk of stroke, approximately five times over the general population. When the heart experiences AF, blood which is no longer circulating properly can pool and form blood clots. These clots then have the ability to obstruct the vessels that supply blood to the brain.
AF impacts the lives of approximately 2.5 million Americans each day with another 160,000 Americans diagnosed each year. By 2050, projections show incidence increasing to as high as 12.1 to 15.9 million. While the statistics are staggering, the increased risks for stroke and heart disease associated with AF have enormous implications. The annual cost of AF to the U.S. healthcare system is estimated to be $15.7 billion, and more tragically, the annual cost in American lives is approximately 88,000.
For more information about Atrial Fibrillation, visit www.HRSonline.org.
Additional Resources
About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of more than 5,300 heart rhythm professionals in more than 70 countries around the world.
