Boehringer Ingelheim Plans to Launch U.S. Registry to Assess the State of Anticoagulation Therapy for Stroke Prevention in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fi...( Retrospective Analysis Presented at 5...),Health

Retrospective Analysis Presented at 58th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology Suggests Oral Anticoagulants are Underused in Eligible Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation at Risk for Stroke

RIDGEFIELD, Conn., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Boehringer Ingelheim today announced that it plans to launch REAL-AF (Registry to Evaluate AnticoaguLation in Atrial Fibrillation), a U.S. based registry to evaluate patterns in the present practice of anticoagulation in 2,500 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).(1) The registry, which will be led by an outside committee of expert advisers,(1) will enroll patients prospectively and analyze data from patients retrospectively.(1)

Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal rhythm of the heart and affects more than 2.2 million Americans.(2) Atrial fibrillation can lead to serious health complications such as stroke.(2) In fact, AF is associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke(3) and is associated with up to one out of every six strokes in the U.S.(2) Furthermore, AF-related strokes are often more severe and debilitating than other types.(4,5)

"Stroke can be a serious consequence of atrial fibrillation, particularly among older patients, yet evidence from several analyses suggests that many patients are not receiving anticoagulation for stroke prevention," said Dr. Giora Davidai, executive director and cardiovascular medical leader, Boehringer Ingelheim. "Through this registry, Boehringer Ingelheim hopes to better understand the factors contributing to under-treatment in this patient population."

REAL-AF Registry

Anticoagulant therapy is the most effective approach for stroke prevention in AF, reducing the incidence of stroke by up to 60 percent.(6) However, there is a need for accurate data to define the patterns of current use and management of anticoagulation in pa
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