Regional experts meet to discuss holistic approach to atrial fibrillation from diagnosis to treatment United Arab Emirates, Dubai - 20th November 2016: Boehringer Ingelheim and Medtronic have collaborated recently to develop a holistic approach to Atrial Fibrillation (AF) treatment solutions. Both Boehringer Ingelheim and Medtronic organized a two-day program which integrated both current evidence and clinical practice. The program, which has been certified and accredited by the European Board of Cardiology consisted of 10 phases of interactive learning, plenary sessions, educational talks, workshops and product demonstrations. As many as 120 top cardiologists and neurologists from the Levant, KSA, Egypt and the UAE attended ‘AF360’, the medical gathering that aimed to focus on the latest AF insights across the region. The event provided physicians with a deeper understanding of diagnosis and treatment for AF patients under the latest guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology. The history of AF and importance of detection, the complications of AF related stroke and its prevention, treatment through evidence, evolution of real world data solutions were among the themes discussed. Among the pharmaceutical innovations highlighted in AF treatment was including appropriate anticoagulation therapy that has proven to be highly effective in preventing AF-related strokes and saving patients from its consequences. Prevention of ischaemic stroke in AF remains a treatment priority, for which anticoagulation therapy is essential. Protection against ischaemic stroke is the key clinical benefit that should be achieved by anticoagulant treatment. Innovation in medical devices include treatment known as catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that aims to treat AF by stopping the rapid beating of the upper heart chambers by ablating, or blocking the conduction of AF by isolating the pulmonary vein. The procedure is proven safe and effective in isolating the pulmonary veins to stop AF in patients who have previously failed drug treatment. AF affects more than seven million people worldwide. Unfortunately half of all diagnosed AF patients fail drug therapy, with untreated AF patients have a five times higher risk of stroke. AF is the most common sustained heart rhythm condition, with one in four adults over the age of 40 developing the condition in their lifetime. People with AF are more likely to experience blood clots, which increases the risk of stroke by five-fold. Ischaemic strokes are the most prevalent type of AF-related stroke, accounting for 92% of strokes and frequently leading to severe debilitation. Mohamed Al Tawil, Boehringer Ingelheim’s General Manager, Middle East & Near East Area (NEMEA) said, “With the aim of delivering optimal patient focused solutions and improving people’s lives, Boehringer Ingelheim has consistently pursued innovation. Over our legacy of more than 130 years, this has held true and been our commitment, ultimately driving the overall development of the pharmaceutical sector. Such is our obligation to innovation that we have pledged to approximately €11bilion to the research and development over the coming five years. Tawil added, “By bringing together our strengths in the pharmaceutical sector with Medtronic’s leaders in medical devices, we aim to serve the needs of healthcare providers in a better way and providing integrated solutions to patients around our region.” Dr. Khalid Al Muti, Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist - Cleveland Clinic- Abu Dhabi said, “Lifestyle changes in the Middle East have led to an alarming escalation in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the region. The heavy burden of CVD relates to the high prevalence of well-known risk factors including hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. These risk factors translate into cardiovascular events, such as devastating heart attacks, taking a high toll on Arab individuals at an early age. AF has a major public health impact especially due to increased risk of stroke and hospitalization. In reference to the global AF prevalence of 1%, it is estimated that the disease’s prevalence rate in the UAE is 93,000 for a population of nine million.” “Today’s era of patient care has moved from one that treats only the disease symptoms to one that reduces risk factors and directs a lifestyle change. The pharmaceutical and health-tech sectors have to evolve in order to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by this reality. AF is usually a chronic health problem but it is becoming increasingly a treatable condition with good outcomes,” added Dr. Al Muti. Tarek Rahbani Senior Business Director, Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure - MEACAT at Medtronic added, “Through the collaboration of pharmaceutical and medical devices we are combining state of the art knowledge, clinical practices and comprehensive treatment solutions to initiate the right treatment pathway and ultimately achieve better patient outcomes. Detection is crucial. Early detection and improved AF management will help healthcare providers to improve the lives of their patients.” Commonly identified as a quivering or rapid heart rhythm in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart, AF causes inefficient pumping of the heart, often leading to other rhythm problems as well as chronic fatigue, difficulty breathing and heart failure. A study indicates that incidence of AF among Arabs and South Asians is approximately 1.8 %. During AF, blood can pool in the heart's upper chambers (atria) and form blood clots. If a blood clot forms, it can dislodge from the heart and travel to the brain, obstructing the flow of blood to the brain and causing a stroke. Blood clots can prevent flow of blood to other organs as well. AF commonly occurs in association with risk factors, such as hypertension, valvular heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, obesity and weight loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnoea, and other respiratory diseases.
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