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The American Heart Association is launching an initiative to involve pharmacists in the treatment of atrial fibrillation
American Heart Association launches initiative to engage pharmacists in atrial fibrillation care. Learn how this important role can improve patient care.
The American Heart Association is launching an initiative to involve pharmacists in the treatment of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, or atrial fibrillation, is the most common form of irregular heartbeat, estimated to affect about 12.1 million adults in the U.S. by 2030, with a five-fold increased risk of stroke. To ensure that all patients with atrial fibrillation receive the best possible care, the American Heart Association is launching a new initiative to educate and engage pharmacists, an important but underrepresented voice in atrial fibrillation care.
This new initiative, which will run until June 2025, is the latest phase of the association's Four Fs of Atrial Fibrillation initiative, supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance. The Four Fs are patient health concerns that impede guideline anticoagulation therapy, including:
- Angst vorm fallen,
- Angst vor Blutungen,
- Vergesslichkeit oder kognitive Dysfunktion und
- Gebrechlichkeit.
Pharmacists are often not consulted in decision-making discussions for atrial fibrillation patients during patient care. In this next phase of the initiative, the association will invite pharmacists to a roundtable to identify gaps and opportunities related to AFib in this area. The association will then share resources and insights with thousands of hospitals and outpatient clinics nationwide.
Pharmacists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team to optimize care for people with atrial fibrillation. Pharmacists’ insight into assessing the medical complexity and use of multiple medications is critical to providing safe and effective anticoagulation and ultimately preventing life-changing medical consequences of atrial fibrillation.”
Cody Parsons, APh, PharmD, BCCCP, director of clinical operations for Stanford Health Care's cardiovascular health service line
Atrial fibrillation is often only noticeable on a physical examination, although some sufferers may experience fatigue, fast and irregular heartbeat, or other symptoms. The use of anticoagulant therapy to reduce the risk of stroke is scientifically supported, but many patients remain untreated or undertreated.
This is the latest in ongoing efforts by the American Heart Association, the world's leading volunteer organization focused on heart and brain health, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service this year, to promote health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
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