PR Newswire, September 1, 2015, Washington, DC
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease today announced the launch of the first national patient education campaign on atrial fibrillation and stroke risk in women and the first Virtual Support Network for women living with atrial fibrillation and their caregivers. The campaign aims to increase awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of atrial fibrillation and help women who have this condition reduce their risk of stroke. The Virtual Support Network will provide much-needed emotional and psychosocial support to women living with atrial fibrillation and their caregivers.

Approximately 1.5 million American women live with atrial fibrillation, a heart disorder commonly known as ‘AFib,’ that can lead to deadly or life-impairing stroke. Women with AFib are more likely than men with AFib to have a stroke. And, after the age of 75, an overwhelming majority of people with AFib – 60 percent – are women.

“AFib is a serious heart condition that affects women nationwide. WomenHeart is excited to offer new patient educational materials and patient support services for women living with and at risk for AFib to help them understand this condition and live a healthy life,” said Mary McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

Emotional and social isolation are common feelings for women living with AFib. To address this issue, WomenHeart is launching the first Virtual Support Network for women living with AFib and their caregivers this month. The Virtual Support Network will be led by two WomenHeart Champions – women living with heart disease who are trained volunteer Support Network Coordinators for WomenHeart. Each 1-hour meeting will consist of a telephone presentation about a key topic in women’s heart health, educational materials, and time for discussion and question and answer with Annabelle Volgman, MD, member of the WomenHeart Scientific Advisory Council and McMullan-Eybel Chair for Excellence in Clinical Cardiology, Professor of Medicine, Rush College of Medicine, Medical Director, Rush Heart Center for Women. In addition, the program includes a message board where Virtual Support Network attendees can post about their experience and journey living with AFib, and ask questions which will be responded to by Dr. Volgman. To participate in the Virtual Support Network register at http://www.healtheo360.com.

Women who are at risk for AFib are those who have heart valve disease, high blood pressure, and irregular heart beats. It is important for women who do not have AFib to reduce their risk for this condition by managing their blood pressure and their stress level, as well as their alcohol and caffeine intake. Additionally, women who are obese, have diabetes, an overactive thyroid and/or lung disease should consult with their physician regularly to address their increased risk for AFib. WomenHeart has developed a series of patient education resources on AFib for women in English and Spanish to help women understand AFib and its associated stroke risk.

Learn more about WomenHeart’s free patient support services for women living with heart disease including AFib by visiting www.womenheart.org.

WomenHeart’s campaign on AFib and stroke risk in women is supported by a grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance.

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the nation’s only patient- centered organization serving the 43 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease – the leading cause of death for women. WomenHeart is solely devoted to advancing women’s heart health through advocacy, community education, and the nation’s only patient support network for women living with heart disease. WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, healthcare professionals, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. To join or donate, visit www.womenheart.org.

Media Contact
Eva Maciejewski/WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
[email protected]
(202) 464 8737