June 23, 2011 — The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) applauds the introduction of House Resolution 295 by Reps. Kay Granger, R - Texas, Dutch Ruppersberger, D – Md., and Charles Gonzalez, D - Texas. The resolution will support efforts to raise public awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF) by enhancing the quality of care and patient safety, advancing research and education, and improving access to appropriate medical treatment for patients suffering from AF.
“The Heart Rhythm Society commends representative Granger for taking a leadership role in bringing national attention to atrial fibrillation, which impacts about 2.5 million Americans each day,” said Bruce L. Wilkoff, M.D., FHRS, president of the Heart Rhythm Society. “We will continue to seek support for this resolution from other members of Congress in the hopes that it is passed into law, which would help to build greater awareness among patients and the public about the disease.”
During AF, the top chambers of the heart (the atria) are beating as often as 300 times per minute — about four times faster than normal — and the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart are beating 100-150 times per minute. The condition causes heart palpitations, fatigue and debilitating pain and dramatically increases the risk of stroke. When the heart experiences AF, blood which is no longer circulating properly can pool and form blood clots. These clots then have the ability to obstruct the vessels that supply blood to the brain.
For more information: www.hrsonline.org.
July 31, 2024 
