Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a common type of irregular heartbeat that puts people at greater risk of having a stroke and the prevalence of AFib is higher in people aged 65 and older.1 Further, AFib is projected to affect around 12 million Americans by 2030.3 Yet, a Harris Poll survey of 1,010 U.S. adults fielded on behalf of the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance showed the majority of people over the age of 40 are unfamiliar with the condition.⁴

Check out the following articles to learn more about the condition and be better prepared for conversations with your doctor about AFib and the connection to stroke risk:  

• The heart in Atrial Fibrillation – A look inside shows how the condition may lead to stroke  
  
• Why aging women should also think twice about potential atrial fibrillation (AFib) symptoms 
  
• Over 65? 5 questions you may want to ask your doctor about atrial fibrillation (AFib) and stroke risk 
  
• Why aging adults should keep atrial fibrillation (AFib) in mind during routine doctor’s visits 
  
• Who is at risk for atrial fibrillation, or AFib, and why does it matter? 
  

About the Matter of Moments survey 

This survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance among 1,010 U.S. adults 40+ and 500 atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients ages 40+ between May 9 and May 28, 2019. Figures for age by gender, education, income, race/ethnicity, region, size of household, marital status, and employment status were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in their respective population. Learn more about the survey findings.  

About Matter of Moments 

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is projected to impact approximately 8.4 million people in the United States in 2020.³ Furthermore, AFib increases risk of stroke.^1,4 Through the Matter of Moments initiative, the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance aims to drive awareness of AFib and the associated risk of stroke by collaborating with expert healthcare professionals and advocacy organizations to provide resources that will help those at risk and their loved ones take charge of their health by talking to their doctor. To learn more, visit the Matter of Moments website.  

References: 

1. January CT, Wann LS, Calkins H, et al. 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. 2019;140:e125-e151 
2. Colilla S, et al. Estimates of current and future incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. adult population. Am J Cardiol. 2013;112:1142–1147. 
3. Pfizer/BMS MoM Survey conducted by The Harris Poll, May 2019. 
4. Wolf PA, Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor for stroke: The Framingham Study. Stroke. 1991;22(8):983-988.