Sanofi-aventis and Boehringer Ingelheim to support AF awareness campaign

Sanofi-aventis and Boehringer Ingelheim are to ally with the World Heart Federation (WHF) on a new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by atrial fibrillation (AF).

The AF Aware (Atrial Fibrillation Awareness and Risk Education) scheme will be spearheaded by the WHF and will aim to educate patients on AF risk factors and consequences, which can include cardiovascular mortality and stroke.

In addition, it will stress the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive management of the disease in order to give sufferers the best possible outcomes.

The two pharmaceutical firms have agreed to co-sponsor the campaign, which will also be supported by the Stroke Alliance for Europe and the Atrial Fibrillation Association.

Dr Nazira Amra, associate vice-president for global anti-arrhythmics strategy at Sanofi-aventis, said the firm is "delighted" to participate, adding: "Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality which contributes to a substantial public health burden."

Last September, Sanofi-aventis conducted a global survey called RealiseAF, which revealed that less than 40 per cent of AF patients are able to achieve control over their condition.