European Cardiologists Highlight Risk of Delayed Diagnosis for Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation

MUNICH, November 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

• Survey findings show that 97% of European cardiologists believe that non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients experience a delay in diagnosis,^[1] which is associated with a higher risk of stroke^[2]  
• European Cardiologists reveal the importance of reviewing patient characteristics, including their individual co-morbidities, to provide the appropriate care  
• Greater NVAF awareness among patients and healthcare professionals could lead to earlier diagnosis  
• Sponsored by Daiichi Sankyo in partnership with the Heart Rhythm Society, European survey results announced during Atrial Fibrillation (AF) Aware Week  

Daiichi Sankyo and the Heart Rhythm Society today announced the results of the European analysis of a global cardiology survey, which highlights that despite an increase in the number of NVAF patients compared to five years ago (recognized by 76% of cardiologists), nearly all cardiologists (97%) believe there is a delay in patients reaching diagnosis.^[1] The survey findings, released during AF Aware Week (24-30 November 2014), reveal the importance of patients recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke. An acute stroke is a common first sign of AF^[2] and over half of European cardiologists (56%) believe that education is the most important type of support an NVAF patient can receive.^[1]

Conducted online by Harris Poll in July and August 2014 on behalf of the Heart Rhythm Society and Daiichi Sankyo, the survey involved 1,100 cardiologists from seven countries, including France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK) within Europe. The global results were announced at the Congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2014 for the first time, now data from the four European countries were published.

The primary reason identified by cardiologists for the potential delay in diagnosis was that patients do not seek treatment because they are asymptomatic (cited by 83% of cardiologists in Europe).^[1] Low patient and physician awareness of NVAF and confusion about the different types of NVAF (paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent and permanent) and how they can be diagnosed, were also attributed to the delay.^[1]

AF patients have a five-fold increased risk of stroke compared to the general population.^[2] AF-related strokes have been found to be nearly twice as likely to be fatal as strokes in patients without AF.^[3] There is also a poorer prognosis, with an almost 50% increased probability of remaining disabled.^[4]

"It is important to note that while cardiologists are recognizing the individual nature of patients and delivering bespoke treatment plans according to their needs, it is taking too long for patients to reach this diagnosis," said Professor A. John Camm, Professor of Clinical Cardiology at St Georges University of London and Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society. "This means that patients are not receiving important treatment soon enough and are being put at an increased risk of other complications such as stroke, with potentially fatal implications."

Identifying the broad spectrum of people diagnosed with and treated for NVAF, the survey reveals that half of European cardiologists (50%) believe there is no such thing as a typical NVAF patient.^[1] Over three-quarters of respondents (86%), recognize the diversity of patients, reinforcing the need to focus on individual patient characteristics and their co-morbidities to provide the appropriate disease management.^[1] On average cardiologists in Europe reported that their NVAF patients have about three co-morbid conditions.^[1] One such co-morbidity, stroke, is a significant concern and one in five are as a result of AF.^[2]

It was revealed that when choosing a treatment for stroke prevention, multiple factors are important or very important to cardiologists, including patient risk of bleeding (95%), patient compliance (90%), patient relevant co-morbid conditions (85%) and patient preferences (52%).^[1] Significantly, over two thirds of cardiologists (68%) noted that a high bleeding risk is a reason why some patients do not receive any oral anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention.^[1]

Nearly nine out of ten cardiologists (87%) agreed that patients need better education regarding the stroke risks associated with NVAF. The majority of cardiologists reported that in addition to managing the medical aspects of their NVAF patients' condition, they also ensure that their patients understand their diagnosis (81%) and the importance of taking their medication regularly (89%).^[1]

"NVAF is a growing concern, not just across Europe but worldwide," said Professor A. John Camm. "The findings of this survey reveal that while advances have been made and a more personalized approach is taken to management, there are still delays in diagnosis which can have a far-reaching impact and more must be done to address this."

About the Survey^[1]

The global survey of cardiologists was conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Daiichi Sankyo and the Heart Rhythm Society among a total of 1,100 licensed cardiologists from around the globe as follows: U.S. (n=160), Japan (n=161), UK (n=157), Germany (n=156), France (n=159), Brazil (n=153) and Spain (n=154). All data collection was conducted online between July 15 and August 7, 2014. The survey was designed to help facilitate and raise awareness about the diversity of the global AF patient population and the challenges in appropriately managing these patients, physician perceptions of unmet needs of AF and a better understanding of specific challenges associated with AF, including delayed diagnosis, coordination of patient care and co-morbidities. To qualify for the survey, cardiologists were required to have seen a minimum of five patients per month with NVAF. For complete research method, including weighting variables, please contact Daiichi Sankyo Europe.

About Atrial Fibrillation (AF)  

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a condition in which the heartbeat is rapid and irregular, and can potentially lead to a stroke.^[5] Atrial Fibrillation is a common condition, affecting approximately 2.3-3.4% of people in developed nations.^[6] Atrial Fibrillation affects approximately 6 million people in the EU,^[2] approximately 6.1 million people in the U.S.,^[7] approximately 1.5 million people in Brazil^[8] and more than 800,000 people in Japan.^[9] Stroke due to all causes is the second most common cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 6.2 million deaths each year.^[10] Compared to those without AF, people with the arrhythmia have a 5-fold increased risk of stroke.^[2] Strokes due to AF are nearly twice as likely to be fatal than strokes in patients without AF at 30 days^[3] and have poorer prognosis than non-AF related strokes, with a 50% increased risk of remaining disabled at three months.^[4] For more information about AF, symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment, please visit the Heart Rhythm Society's "http://www.myAFib.org ".

About 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 5,800 heart rhythm professionals in more than 72 countries around the world.

About Daiichi Sankyo  

Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address the diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets. While maintaining its portfolio of marketed pharmaceuticals for hypertension, dyslipidemia and bacterial infections used by patients around the world, the Group has also launched treatments for thrombotic disorders and is building new product franchises. Further-more, Daiichi Sankyo research and development is focused on bringing forth novel therapies in oncology and cardiovascular-metabolic diseases, including biologics. The Daiichi Sankyo Group has created a "Hybrid Business Model" to respond to market and customer diversity and optimize growth opportunities across the value chain. For more information, please visit: http://www.daiichisankyo.com .

About Daiichi Sankyo Europe 

Daiichi Sankyo's European base is located in Munich and has affiliates in 12 European countries in addition to a global manufacturing site located in Pfaffenhofen, Germany. For more information, please visit: http://www.daiichi-sankyo.eu .

For more information, please contact:
Daria Munsel
Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH
Tel: +49(89)7808728 (Office)

Kennesha Baldwin, Director of Media Relations  
Heart Rhythm Society
Tel: +1-202-464-3476
kbaldwin@HRSonline.org

References  

1. AFIB Global Survey of Cardiologists, Harris Poll on behalf of Daiichi Sankyo and the Heart Rhythm Society, July 15 - Aug 07, 2014 (Data on file). 

2. Camm, A. et al. Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation: the Task Force for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). European Heart Journal. 2010;31:2369-429. 

3. Lin, H., Wolf, P. A., Kelly-Hayes, M. & Benjamin, E. J. Stroke Severity in Atrial Fibrillation. Stroke. 1996;27:1760-1764. 

4. Lamassa, M. et al. Characteristics, outcome, and care of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation in Europe: data from a multicenter multinational hospital-based registry (The European Community Stroke Project). Stroke. 2001;32:392-8. 

5. Patient.co.uk. Atrial fibrillation. Available at: http://www.patient.co.uk/pdf/4198.pdf . Updated 2012. Last accessed August 2014. 

6. Ball, J et al. Atrial fibrillation: Profile and burden of an evolving epidemic in the 21st century. Int J Card 2013; 167:1807-1824. 

7. Go, A S et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics -- 2013 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2013;127:6-245. 

8. Zimerman, Ll. et al. Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia [Brazillian guidelines on atrial fibrilation]. Arq Bras Cardiol. 2009;92:1-39. 

9. Inoue, H et al. Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the general population of Japan: An analysis based on periodic health examination. Int J Cardiol 2009 Oct 2;137(2):102-7.

10. World Health Organization. The top 10 causes of death. July 2013. Available at: who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/. Last accessed August 2014.