World's Most Comprehensive Survey of Stroke Experience Launched at European Stroke Conference

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: [phone],

; Harry King, Account Manager, Porter Novelli,

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