Atrial fibrillation patient website launched in Italian and Spanish

Sophia Antipolis, – 13 July 2015: The atrial fibrillation patient website AFib Matters has been launched in Italian and Spanish by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Italian version: www.fibrillazioneatriale.org
Spanish version: www.fibrilacion-auricular.org

“Atrial fibrillation is a global phenomenon,” said Professor Gregory YH Lip, who was chairman of the task force that initially developed www.afibmatters.org. “Patients and their carers have many questions and requests for information. The new translations will reach out to even more patients and carers.”

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac rhythm disorder and affects 1.5-2% of the general population in the developed world.1 More than 6 million Europeans suffer from atrial fibrillation but the prevalence is expected to at least double in the next 50 years as the population grows older.2

Atrial fibrillation substantially increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and impaired cognitive function including dementia. When strokes occur in patients with atrial fibrillation they are associated with more death and disability, longer hospital stays, and less chance of returning home.3

AFib Matters was designed to provide clear, reliable information and practical advice to patients with atrial fibrillation, their families and carers. It outlines what atrial fibrillation is, symptoms, complications, treatment with drugs, ablation and devices, and the need for stroke prevention. The website was written by expert clinicians and patient representatives and has been visited 468 858 times since its launch in June 2013.

The Italian and Spanish translations join the English, German and French websites. Patients in Italy and Spain can use the dedicated URLs or visit www.afibmatters.org and be automatically redirected to the translated website.

Professor Lip said:

“My patients tell me that they find AFib Matters very useful. I advise patients in my atrial fibrillation clinic that the website is a succinct, up to date resource for patient information. The Italian and Spanish translations will enable more patients and carers to find out more about the condition.”

ENDS