World's Most Comprehensive Survey of Stroke Experience Launched at European Stroke Conference
May 18 2006 - 9:03AM
PR Newswire (US)
BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AstraZeneca and
the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) today announced the launch of
the world's most comprehensive Global Stroke Survey. The research
project, revealed at the European Stroke Conference (ESC) meeting,
will assess the true burden of stroke for patients and caregivers,
with the first results expected in late 2006. Arne Hagen, President
of the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) said, "We are excited to
be partnering with AstraZeneca on this important initiative. The
need for education about stroke and stroke prevention is
overwhelming - fifteen million people worldwide suffer a stroke
each year. One in three of these people die, a further third are
left with varying degrees of disability, and only one third of
stroke victims recover without disability (1). Stroke is a
life-shattering event, yet very few people can recognise the
symptoms or understand the devastating impact stroke can have on
patients and families. We look forward to the results of this
Global Stroke Survey." The Global Stroke Survey will be designed to
provide in-depth understanding of the true burden, social
consequences, and functional and emotional distress caused by
stroke around the world. Variations between countries will also be
investigated to build a comparative picture of standards in stroke
care across the globe. Dr. Tomas Odergren, Vice President, Global
Product Director, Development at AstraZeneca, commented: "Stroke is
a medical emergency with potentially devastating consequences if
treatment is not sought immediately. Yet poor understanding of the
symptoms of stroke often means diagnosis and treatment is delayed.
Our hope is that results from this Global Stroke Survey initiative
will deepen our understanding of the burden of stroke and
contribute to better outcomes for stroke patients in the future."
The survey will be conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK,
Sweden, Australia, China, Canada and the USA. Its reach will be
extensive; a total of 2,400 patients and 2,400 caregivers will be
surveyed following recruitment through medical professionals. A
steering committee, consisting of patient organisations like SAFE
and leading stroke experts will guide the development of the
survey. AstraZeneca has a firm commitment to stroke research and
awareness, and continues to support scientists, physicians, and
patients with the aim of improving stroke treatment. About
AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare
business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and
marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of
healthcare services. It is one of the world's leading
pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of over $23.95
billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal,
cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection
products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability
Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index. For more
information, visit http://www.astrazenecapressoffice.com/ About
SAFE: The aims and objectives of SAFE, a non-profit-making
organisation, are to promote awareness and understanding of stroke,
to promote prevention, to identify those at risk, to improve access
to appropriate treatment and care, to improve the quality of life
of people affected by stroke and their families and carers, to
promote better access to accurate and understandable information,
to increase the priority given to stroke by policy and
decision-makers and by health care providers, to promote research
on stroke and related areas and to co-ordinate the efforts of
national stroke patient groups in Europe. For more information,
visit http://www.safestroke.org/ References: (1)The Atlas of Heart
Disease and Stroke, World Health Organisation, 2004 Available at:
http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/atlas/en/
DATASOURCE: AstraZeneca CONTACT: For further information contact:
Anne Ferguson, Acting Global PR Manager, AstraZeneca, Tel:
+44-1625-231-319 /+44-79202-36253, ; Harry King, Account Manager,
Porter Novelli, Tel: +44-207-853-2276,
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