A latest Future of Anticoagulation Report has urged immediate action to decrease the potential impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Europe.
Atrial fibrillation is a disorder of the rhythm of the heart and is a leading cause of death and disability across Europe.
The atrial fibrillation is expected to double in the continent by 2060, as per the report presented at the Heart Rhythm Week. It was researched and written by RAND Europe.
Future of Anticoagulation steering committee chair professor John Camm said: "This report is a wake-up call for healthcare professionals and policy makers across Europe to work together to better manage AF, as its burden looks set to double as our population ages."
Three primary short-term recommendations were made by the report to reduce AF, including improving AF awareness amongst the public and policy makers and support education about AF management for healthcare professionals and patients.
It also suggested to maintain AF related research across the health services, in a bid to monitor what works best in terms of healthcare interventions.
The study was focused on six European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Research methods used in the study include literature review and assessment and 60 interviews carried out with a range of experts representing various stakeholder groups such as healthcare professionals, patient representatives and policymakers.