Global public awareness about atrial fibrillation

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. Background Atrial 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 n…