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THE WINNING

PROJECTS

Find out more about


the winning projects and
how you can support
our mission to prevent
AF-related strokes.
www.heartofstroke.com

THE WINNING PROJECTS

CONTENTS
Supporter Messages

Messages from the Expert Panel

4-5


6-9

Message from Boehringer Ingelheim 

10

The Initiative 

11

The Winning Projects 


Thank you to our supporters

12-41
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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS

SUPPORTER MESSAGES
Jane Seymour
Campaign ambassador

AntiCoagulation Europe

I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all

AntiCoagulation Europe (ACE) are involved in the campaign

those who have been successful in winning a 1 Mission

because as a leading European Charity dedicated to the

1 Million award. I have very personal reasons for supporting

prevention of thrombosis, 1 Mission 1 Million is a marvellous

this initiative as my mother had AF and unfortunately had a

opportunity to join with other organisations to make a united call

stroke as a result of the condition. AF-related strokes can

to make a difference to stroke prevention in AF.

be incredibly debilitating and I am proud to be part of this


initiative and cannot wait to see how the projects will make
a difference to the lives of people with AF.

Atrial Fibrillation Association

World Heart Federation


Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a growing public health issue, affecting
not only the patients who live with the condition, but also their
families and the healthcare systems in the countries where they

The Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) is involved in 1 Mission

live. Yet research shows there is a perceived lack of awareness

1 Million because as the voice of patients, carers and medical

and understanding of AF. The World Heart Federation supports

professionals dealing with atrial fibrillation, AFA is dedicated

the 1 Mission 1 Million initiative and its goal to draw attention

to improving the health, well-being and ultimately, the lives of

to this serious condition, the consequences of which can have

those suffering with this debilitating condition, often described

devastating effects on patients and healthcare systems.

by patients as taking away the essence of life.

Stroke Alliance For Europe


The Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) is proud to be a
supporter of 1 Mission 1 Million. This valuable initiative
continues to highlight awareness of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), one of
the hidden risk factors for stroke.

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS

MESSAGES FROM THE EXPERT PANEL


Professor
Jane
SeymourGnter Breithardt World Heart Federation
Campaign ambassador

Trudie
Lobban Atrial Fibrillation Association
Jane
Seymour
Campaign ambassador

The 1 Mission 1 Million winners are privileged to be among

I was so excited when I was approached about the

those who are awarded for having proposed important steps

1 Mission 1 Million campaign because at the Atrial Fibrillation

towards the adequate management and prevention of atrial

Association, our mission is to raise awareness and improve

fibrillation. Each individual step against the pandemic of atrial

diagnosis, leading to improved quality of life for all those with

fibrillation will be rewarded by fewer patients suffering.

atrial fibrillation and that is exactly what 1 Mission 1 Million


is about.

Professor Robert Ferrari University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy

Dr Julin Prez Villacastn Hospital Clnico San Carlos de Madrid, Spain

As Past President of the ESC, I am truly honored to have

When reviewing 1 Mission 1 Million projects, I was looking for

been part of the 1 Mission 1 Million initiative in promoting

projects that were original, simple, easy to implement

awareness of atrial fibrillation and the risk of stroke as it will go

and realistic.

a long way towards helping us achieve our (ESC) mission.


I was astonished by the amount of excellent applications.
One can be a good cardiologist just taking care of patients
but also by reviewing such innovative projects.

Professor Dayi Hu China Medical Association, China


I think 1 Mission 1 Million is an important initiative because it
utilizes all kinds of channels to communicate with the public
about the knowledge on early detection of arterial fibrillation,
standardized anti-coagulation treatment and stroke prevention
in an all-round and wide way.

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS

MESSAGES FROM THE EXPERT PANEL


Professor
Jane
SeymourJohn Camm St. Georges Hospital, UK
Campaign ambassador

Professor
Jane
SeymourAriel Cohen Sainte-Antoine Hospital, France
Campaign ambassador

The winners have now been announced but this is just the

AF-related strokes are debilitating with an increased risk

beginning. These projects will take an important step in

of death, but most importantly, in many cases they can be

preventing AF-related strokes and have the potential to save

prevented. By supporting scientific projects that will increase

many lives across the world.

awareness of the relationship between AF and stroke, the


public has had an opportunity to play a real role in helping to
prevent strokes.

Dr. Antonio Arauz Gngora Manuel Velasco Surez National Institute, Mexico

Professor Michael Bhm University Hospital of Saarland, Germany

Reviewing the projects and selecting the Expert Picks was a

Stroke is a major challenge in industrialized countries,

complicated task because many of the projects are definitely

because it produces a high burden for the societies for the

original and with appropriate methodical design. I hope that

care of disability. More importantly, it is a personal catastrophe

results of the evaluation was fair and the remaining non-

for all patients involved. The activity 1 Mission 1 Million

winning projects can, however, be developed.

provides visibility of the problem for stroke and in particular


for the problem of atrial fibrillation as a main cause of stroke.
Effective treatments have now been developed for further
incidents of stroke. The prerequisite to initiate this effective
treatment is to identify patients and to make the patients
aware of symptoms. 1 Mission 1 Million is a step in the right

Eve Knight AntiCoagulation Europe


As a leading charity in the prevention of thrombosis, we have
been involved in many campaigns over the years but never
one as innovating and as exciting as this. It is estimated that
nearly 50% of people with atrial fibrillation are getting no
appropriate treatment reflecting the importance of the
1 Mission 1 Million campaign.

direction to further foster the activities in this most important area of cardiovascular disease.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE INITIATIVE
Message from Professor Andreas Barner,
Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors,
Boehringer Ingelheim

An innovative approach
1 Mission 1 Million is a global* disease awareness initiative that is providing 1 million for projects,
selected by public vote and the Expert Panel, which fulfil the overall mission of helping prevent as
many as 1 million atrial fibrillation (AF)-related strokes.
The public voted on 184 1 Mission 1 Million project submissions entered by individuals, patient and

On behalf of everyone at Boehringer Ingelheim I would like

professional groups and healthcare centres across 36 countries. Each submission proposed an

to congratulate all 32 winners on being awarded a share

approach to increase awareness of AF-related stroke within the community whether through research,

of the 1 million donation as decided by the public and

screening programmes or the creation of patient groups and websites.

Expert Panel. As a company we are proud to sponsor 1


Mission 1 Million Getting to the Heart of Stroke which has
already made considerable headway in raising awareness
of AF and its link to stroke. We are grateful to all of the
organisations and experts who support the initiative across
the globe. We are also honoured to support 1 Mission 1

Public voting ended on 22nd June 2011 and the 32 winners were announced at a special awards
ceremony in Paris on 28th August 2011.
To learn more about AF and the risk of stroke, people can visit www.heartofstroke.com.
 oehringer Ingelheim is running the campaign internationally, with the exception of the US and UK. Boehringer Ingelheim in the US is running a
B
campaign specifically for US residents that aims to raise awareness of atrial fibrillation and stroke risk called Facing AFibTM (www.facingafib.com).

Million as it moves into a new phase, seeking even further


to educate and inform the public about AF-related strokes.

About AF

For the winners, the hard work really begins with the
implementation of the projects, but those people and
organisations have proven their innovative capacity and
commitment to the cause. Together we will really make a
difference in the prevention of AF-related strokes.

One in four people aged 40 years or older develop AF in their lifetime, making it the most common
sustained heart rhythm abnormality.1,2
Up to 3 million people worldwide suffer a stroke related to AF each year, equivalent to one person
every 10 seconds.3-7
People with AF are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than people without AF and AF-related
strokes tend to be more severe and disabling than non AF-related strokes.4,5,8
The SPEAK about AF Survey (Stroke Prevention Education, Awareness and Knowledge), the largest
and most extensive survey ever conducted in people diagnosed with AF and the physicians who treat
the condition, revealed that more education is needed about the link between AF and stroke.9 Read
more about the survey at www.speakaf.com.
1. Lloyd-Jones DM, Wang TJ, Leip EP, et al. Lifetime risk for development of atrial fibrillation: the Framingham Heart Study. Circulation
2004; 110:1042-6. 2. Stewart S, Murphy N, Walker A, et al. Heart 2004; 90:286-92. 3. Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke, World Health
Organization, September 2004.. Last viewed March 2011 at http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/resources/atlas/en/index.
html. 4. Lin HJ, Wolf PA, Kelly-Hayes M, et al. Stroke severity in atrial fibrillation: the Framingham Study. Stroke 1996; 27:1760-4.
5. Kannel WB & Benjamin EF. Status of the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation. Med Clin North Am 2008;92:17-40. 6. Wolf PA, Abbott RD,
Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: The Framingham Study. Stroke 1991; 22(8):983-8. 7. Marini C, De
Santis F, Sacco S, et al. Contribution of atrial fibrillation to incidence and outcome of ischaemic stroke: results from a population-based
study. Stroke 2005; 36:1115-9. 8. Kelly-Hayes M et al. The influence of gender and age on disability following ischemic stroke: The
Framingham Study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2003; 12:119-26 9. SPEAK about AF Survey (2011) ISBN 978-3-9814382-0-8

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS

1 Mission 1 Million Getting to the Heart of Stroke: A Truly Global Initiative


PABLO MARTIN LOZANO

Mediagift Integrated Promo Solutions, SL

StrokeStrike.com

JORGE PAGOLA PREZ


DE LA BLANCA

Unitat Neurovascular. Hospital Vall Dhebron

Stroke is similar to traffic accident. It is


preventable and it may happen to
anyone

PATRICK DARY

Cabinet de Cardiologie

"D.E.T.E.C.T." (acronym in French):


Detect Tachycardia through
Telecardiology

PATRICK DARY

Cabinet de Cardiologie

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. (acronym in French):


Preserve Rate, Optimise Treatment,
Evaluate blood pressure monitoring

LUCIO SCANU
Girtac - Vibast asbl

The Anticoagulation School intended for


health care professionals and patients

100,000

PETER SCHWITTERS

LAURA SIMON

Sports meets medicine

Optimization of bridging treatment for


patients taking oral anticoagulants

Sport-Gesundheitspark Berlin e.V.

50,000

10,000

KOMPETENZNETZ
VORHOFFLIMMERN (AFNET)

NATAA JAN

AFNET patient information: Atrial


fibrillation heart timing is off

CATCH YOUR RHYTHM!

Slovenian Heart Foundation

RAPHAEL BENE

MARCELO SANMARTIN
FERNANDEZ

Croatian stroke society

EBERHARD HELM

Hospital Povisa

BLSV Kreis Rhn-Grabfeld

The "Pulse Week". An information


campaign promoting the early
diagnosis of atrial fibrillation

Getting to the Heart of Stroke

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PREVENTION


OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION-RELATED
STROKE IN CROATIA

GHEORGHE-ANDREI DAN

University Hospital Colentina Diseases

KEVIN MICHAEL

1 EURO 1 PATIENT

Queens University, Heart Rhythm Service,


Kingston General Hospital

Optimal Imaging before pulmonary


vein isolation for Atrial Fibrillation
(OPTIMA Trial)

ANNA MARIA ERCULES


ERCULES Comunicazioni

You've got heart mail

SERGIO ALBERTO
VALERA RUIZ
Detection of atrial fibrillation in
patients with sleep apnea in the rural
population of Mexico

AFA

KONSTANTINOS
VADIKOLIAS

DJAMILA HARITI

New website for AF patients in


Argentina

Thank you young Tom

Hellenic Stroke Society (Greek Society of


Cerebrovascular Diseases)

The NEDAFISP project in North-Eastern


Greece

ASOCIACIN DE
ANTICOAGULADOS DE
ARAGN ASANAR

CYNTHIA ROSAS
MAGALLANES

Instituto Nacional de Salud Pblica

AFA

Preventing CVD. The virtual AF-meter:


The tool to learn and measure the risk
of suffering from AF

Information booklet to benefit AF


patients in Argentina

With you against stroke

MY HEART IS POUNDING

ENRIQUE RUIZ MORI

AFA

We stop strokes Home by Home

RED ALERT TO STROKE

Know your pulse rhythm, iPhone

Take Care of Your Heart Knowledge


Quiz

LUCIANO AROCHENA
CANDAME
JOSE ZELAYA

JEAN-JACQUES MOURAD

Federacin Espaola de Asociaciones de


Anticoagulados (FEASAN)

FRANCISKA ROSSOUW

Expert patient with atrial fibrillation


programme

PACE - Preventing 6000 AF related


strokes a year

PACE (Prevent Arrhythmic Cardiac Events)

DEIDRE DE SILVA
WAISUN CHOO
Awareness and Screening of AF

National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore


General Hospital Campus

AF for AF- Awareness and Feedback for


Atrial Fibrillation patients

CAO WENZHAI
Community AF Home

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 100,000

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 100,000

Strokestrike.com

1 Euro 1 Patient

Country:

Country:

Spain

Romania

Organisation:

Organisation:

Media gift Integrated Promo Solutions, SL

University Hospital Colentina

Coordinator:

Coordinator:

Pablo Martin Lozano

Gheorghe-Andrei Dan

Project summary:

Project summary:

A mobile and online social platform that proposes playing sports to prevent the risk of stroke and

1 Euro 1 Patient is part of the FACTS program: it is a nationwide public information campaign to

promote a healthier lifestyle through monitoring of the individuals distance covered, calories burnt, heart

raise awareness of atrial fibrillation and stroke. Targeting patients with neglected or undertreated atrial

rate etc.. It directly connects to your doctor who would be aware of your progress and can offer further

fibrillation, the strategy is to inform, engage, act.

advice on how to improve your health.

How do you feel about winning an award?


The feeling is doubly good because not only feeling joy for achievement at such an important
international challenge, but you know that with the prize you will be able to help many people and
even be working on something as noble as it is to save lives or improve them. So the joy is so great
and sense of responsibility that goes with it too, because what we now feel is the desire and strength
to start a social project to help improve the world in which we live.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


The main aim of our project is to teach general public what is AF and the risk of stroke, how to early
diagnose AF, the risk to have AF, and how to prevent AF-related stroke. Patients who already know
they have AF will learn more about better treatments and they will become teachers for those who
dont know they have AF.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 100,000


Youve got heart mail
Country:

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 100,000


The Anticoagulation School
intended for healthcare professionals and patients

Italy

Organisation:
ERCULES Comunicazioni

Coordinator:
Anna Maria Ercules

Project summary:
200,000 booklets on atrial fibrillation will be produced and posted to Italian, German, Spanish and
Russian cardiologists for their patients. Using accurate science, fun cartoons and diagrams in the
mother tongue language these booklets aim to raise awareness on atrial fibrillation as a stroke risk
factor amongst patients and their families.

Country:
Belgium

Organisation:
Girtac - Vibast asbl

Coordinator:
Lucio Scanu

Project summary:
The purpose of this project is to create a travelling school about Anticoagulation. This initiative,
promoted by the Belgian association of patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy (Girtac Vibast),
aims to schedule information sessions for professionals and patients on a selection of topics related to

How do you feel about winning an award?


I am thrilled! This award comes to me as a challenge to use all our skills, know-how and experience
(gained in almost 20 years of work) to serve a very vast population of patients throughout Europe in
increasing awareness about one of the most important risk factors of stroke.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


My award will help to enhance patients compliance to medical treatment, giving support to doctors in
their fight against stroke as an AF complication. Our project goal is to educate, in a fun, coloured and
accurate way, patients from different European countries with booklets and interactive software.

the management of patients treated by anticoagulants.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 50,000


With you against stroke

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 50,000


Primary and secondary prevention
of atrial fibrillation-related stroke in Croatia

Country:
Spain

Country:

Organisation:

Croatia

Asociacin de Anticoagulados de Aragn ASANAR

Organisation:

Project summary:

Croatian stroke society

Through the campaign Asociacin de Anticoagulados de Aragn (ASANAR),

Coordinator:

a series of activities will be developed, in which the goal is to make the


population aware of the importance of acquiring healthy lifestyle habits and
preventing possible heart disorders by offering information and professional attention in the Camp
Against Stroke and through the use of new technologies.

Raphael Bene

Project summary:
Our projects mission is to target three areas of the population: patients with atrial fibrillation, stroke
survivors and healthcare professionals, in order to detect undiagnosed atrial fibrillation by social network

How did you promote your 1M1M project?


For the 90 day period of voting ASNAR worked and fought to achieve the highest number of votes
possible by involving as many people as possible to contribute to the cause. The organisation
reached out to its 250 members, various media channels as well as other organisations in the area
and neighbouring districts. Our mission and the call for public action was also publicised on our
website as well as social media channels such as Facebook. Lastly, we were fortunate enough to
get the support of local altruistic celebrities who joined our campaign and without a doubt facilitated
a higher visibility of the campaign in the public arena. It was a long and difficult process for a small
organisation such as ours, but the main success was being able to unite thousands of people to vote
daily in favour of our project every day.

How do you feel about winning an award?


It is a pleasure to know that our project has won an award and that through its development we will
be able to quickly and effectively help more people as well as prevent AF-related stroke. For a little
over five years, ASNAR has been working to improve the quality of life and autonomy of patients
on oral anticoagulant treatment and their families. Through chats, informational days as well as
collaboration with different health care professionals and social workers we work to transform the
patient into a patient expert and make them the primary agent driving their care.

services and website campaign for all Croats above 40 years old and to inform patients with atrial
fibrillation how to prevent and recognize signs of stroke.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


Few people in Croatia are aware of the impact of AF-related stroke on public health. AF-related stroke
was the main theme of our 51st International neuropsychiatric congress in Pula. Our projects mission
is to target three populations: Patients with atrial fibrillation; Stroke survivors; Healthcare professionals.
We will now detect undiagnosed atrial fibrillation by social network services, website and public
campaign for all Croats above 40 years old. We will inform patients with atrial fibrillation how to
prevent and recognize signs of stroke. We will educate our patients: education in combination with
food degustation of Mediterranean and warfarin-diet recipes will increase social interaction between
our patients and their compliance to therapy. Thanks to all people who believed in us, thanks to all the
team of 1 Mission 1 Million for this great campaign, our battle against AF-related stroke can begin.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 50,000


Catch your rhythm!

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 50,000


D.E.T.E.C.T. (acronym in French):
Detect Tachycardia through Telecardiology

Country:
Slovenia

Country:

Organisation:

France

Slovenian Heart Foundation

Organisation:

Coordinator:

Cabinet de Cardiologie

Nataa Jan

Coordinator:

Project summary:

Patrick Dary

The Slovenian Heart Foundation will raise awareness of atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention amongst

Project summary:

all age groups in Slovenia through free recreational, life-style activities with an educational note and
telemetric ECG recordings. In order to reach younger generations our activities will include recreational
activities such as quadrille dancing.

The objective is the detection of cardiac arrhythmia in at-risk, hypertensive patients who are aged 65
and over by giving them an ECG monitor linked to a blood pressure self-measure for 8 days. Data will
then be analysed in telecardiology. The goal is to detect arrhythmias earlier on and to optimise blood
pressure monitoring.

How did you promote your 1M1M project?


Slovenian Heart Foundations PR activities were separated in two parts. We sent three e-mails to
each of our members, we published several articles in our magazine ZA SRCE (For the Heart) and
used our web page to promote project Catch your rhythm.
We have also prepared a press conference on this topic by which we have successfully reached the
general population. All main Slovenian TV and radio stations and newspapers were involved in PR
activities. Additionally, we distributed special leaflets on this topic around the country.

How do you feel about winning an award?


We were very happy when it was announced that expert group had chosen our project to the second
stage of procedure. It was the confirmation of the effectiveness of our work. Winning the award is a
great success for our small country. We are proud of our members and other people who supported
our program. We are proud of our team who led the presentation of our project and presentation of
voting method.

How do you feel about winning an award?


I feel extremely proud to have won an award for these two complementary projects which will
implement new methods of telemedicine. Several meetings have already taken place with healthcare
professionals and patients. To do this well in a global competition is incredible but the real driving
force was the passion and desire to fight for all those that place their hopes in new projects.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 50,000


Getting to the Heart of Stroke

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 50,000


The NEDAFISP Project
in North-Eastern Greece

Country:
Germany

Country:

Organisation:

Greece

BLSV Kreis Rhn-Grabfeld

Organisation:

Coordinator:

Hellenic Stroke Society (Greek Society of

Eberhard Helm

Project summary:
Theoretically, more than one half of all strokes in Germany could be prevented. Enormous efforts are
required at all levels of society to achieve this goal. Several sports clubs have joined forces in a network
in the Rhn-Grabfeld region and made this their task.

Cerebrovascular Diseases)

Coordinator:
Konstantinos Vadikolias

Project summary:
NETWORK FOR EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND STROKE PREVENTION IN
NORTH-EASTERN GREECE (The NEDAFISP project) is the establishment of a multicenter interdisciplinary

How do you feel about winning an award?


We feel confirmed and taken seriously in our work of many years. We are very happy about the award
and the financial support. At the same time we are excited about how we will be able to carry our
plans into effect.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


Only if we succeed in carrying our enthusiasm for primary prevention into big parts of the general
public and in conveying our joy of regular exercise, we hope to reach long-term improvement. Our
1 Mission 1 Million award is first of all supposed to give motivation and encourage peoples own
initiative, especially for those with a high risk. During the next years we want to set the district of
Rhn-Grabfeld in motion.

interactive collaborative network by the Cardiology and the Neurology Departments - Democritus University
of Thrace in Greece, under the auspice of the Greek Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


This award will offer us the opportunity to establish a multicenter, multidisciplinary and interactive
network of the National Health System Neurology and Cardiology Outpatient Clinics in the area
of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in Greece. Coordinator of this network will be a joint team of
stroke neurologists and cardiologists of the Democritus University of Thrace, at the Alexandroupolis
University Hospital. The project will include:
1. The active recruitment of Clinics and information of the participating physicians.
2. The development of a fast fact sheet (FFS) with predetermined criteria for patients qualification for
AF screening.
3. The information of the population.
4. The creation of an interactive website.
5. Finally, the provision of all suitable equipment for all the participating centers with Holter
monitoring devices for the evaluation of registered patients at risk on site. We strongly believe that
the above activities:
1. Will promote the awareness and early detection of AF.
2. Will enhance a multidisciplinary collaboration between neurologists and cardiologists and,
thus, will significantly contribute to the improvement of stroke prevention in this
southeastern region of Europe.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS 50,000

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 10,000

Expert patient

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. (acronym in French):

with atrial fibrillation programme

Preserve Rate, Optimise Treatment, Evaluate blood pressure monitoring programme

Country: Spain

Country:

Organisation: Federacin Espaola de Asociaciones de

France

Anticoagulados (FEASAN)

Organisation: Cabinet de Cardiologie

Coordinator: Luciano Arochena Candame

Coordinator: Patrick Dary

Project summary:

Project summary:

It is a complete health education programme for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the objective

To better detect, treat and monitor heart rate and blood pressure issues in order to more effectively

is for these patients to take control and manage their own illness, thereby improving their quality of

prevent stroke, P.R.O.T.E.C.T.s goal is to empower patients by allowing them to monitor their own

life. The expert patient can also educate other patients. The programme will be supported by various

blood pressure and heart rate and provide notification through a computerised education programme

materials (internet, toolkit).

consisting of different modules.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


Faster and stronger! The projects will help prevent AF-related strokes by treating hypertension more

PACE

efficiently and screening for cardiac arrhythmias more quickly using new methods on a group of 600

Preventing 6000 AF related strokes a year

patients. It is through better screening and placing the patient at the heart of the healthcare system,
that we will prove to be more efficient and fast - putting in all of our effort, all of the time and using all
our means to protect from the condition.

Country:

South Africa

Organisation: PACE (Prevent Arrhythmic Cardiac Events)


Coordinator: Franciska Rossouw
Project summary:
PACE (Prevent Arrhythmic Cardiac Events) is an arrhythmia patient support group that will launch
a campaign to educate atrial fibrillation patients on their stroke risk and the need for proper treatment.
We will partner with Wellscreen to do stroke risk assessments in pharmacies. Patients will get a report
explaining the patients stroke risk and need for proper antithrombotics.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 10,000


AF for AF

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 10,000

Awareness and Feedback for Atrial Fibrillation patients

My Heart is Pounding

Country:

Country:

Singapore

Organisation: National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore


General Hospital Campus

Coordinator: Deidre De Silva


Project summary:

France

Organisation:
Jean - Jacques Mourad

Project summary:
On the principle of videos of the artist Myrtille Chartuss representing in 1 minute

This project will provide 1000 AF patients with educational tools to

French quotations, production of a one minute viral video on the sentence

raise awareness as well as feedback systems to answer their queries on AF management and stroke

My heart is pounding or My heart beats wildly sensitizing with a different and

symptoms. Features include multimedia educational materials in Singapores four main languages and

humoristic tone on atrial fibrillation and its cerebral embolic risk.

individualized responses to queries via email, snail mail or in person.

How did you promote your 1M1M project?


We created a Facebook page and placed the link to our project on our Linked-in profiles. We also
inserted the project link into all of our emails.

How do you feel about winning an award?


It was a great pleasure to win an award and we were proud to have won with what we hope will be
an original and useful project.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


The project will help prevent AF-related strokes by the development of a viral video which will educate
lots of people about AF and the link between heart problems and strokes.

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THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 10,000


Detection of atrial fibrillation
in patients with sleep apnea in the rural population of Mexico

THE WINNING PROJECTS

THE WINNING PROJECTS 10,000


The Pulse Week:
An information campaign promoting the early diagnosis
of atrial fibrillation pressure monitoring programme

Country:
Mexico

Country: Spain

Coordinator:

Organisation: Hospital Povisa

Sergio Alberto Valera Ruiz

Project summary:

Coordinator: Marcelo Sanmartin Fernandez

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a risk factor for atrial

Project summary:

fibrillation (AF) and stroke. We offer nocturnal respiratory polygraphy to patients with signs of OSAS in a

As part of Pulse Week more than 7,000 individuals will

marginalized rural area in Mexico and Holter monitors for positive cases for detection of AF.

receive a letter containing information about atrial fibrillation together with an invitation to attend
a medical consultation for the detection of the arrhythmia consisting of simply having their pulse taken.

How do you feel about winning an award?


I am really grateful for the support from the public, local authorities, friends and family who put their
trust in this initiative and I am committed to the challenge of achieving all of the objectives that we
proposed. I would like to thank Boehringer Ingelheim for the resource support that will help us to
carry out our project.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


1. Health education targeting about two common illnesses. Sleep apnea which is risk of
cardiovascular illnesses (particularly with the development and recurrence of atrial fibrillation) and
atrial fibrillation itself, both of which can lead to stroke.
2. Demonstrating that with simple and cost effective tool its possible to tackle suspected AF cases
in risk population groups.
3. Giving access to diagnosis tools to the rural and marginalised populations from my region.
4. Detecting other factors in the frequent comorbidity of patients with sleep apnea that increase the
risk of developing AF.
5. Starting with simple research which will act as a starting point to develop more projects with bigger
outreach possibilities.

These consultations will be held during one set week in four health centers in the area of
Vigo/Morrazo (Spain).

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Thank you young Tom
Country:

THE WINNING PROJECTS

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We stop strokes Home by Home

France

Country: Peru

Organisation:

Organisation: Jose Zelaya

GIME

Coordinator:
Djamila Hariti

Project summary:
Thank you young Tom will be a video made up of three different stages. Whilst there will be no

Project summary:
We will identify people with atrial fibrillation who visit a health
centre and then provide them with in-home instruction to
themselves and their families on the measures for stroke
prevention. We will evaluate the preventative measures
implemented in our population.

conversation, images will illustrate and convey ideas and there will be a voiceover. The first part will
show a young boy playing with his grandfather whilst the second part will depict his grandfather starting
to have an AFCA paroxystic crisis. The final part will show the deterioration in the grandfathers health
after his crisis as he is no longer able to play with his grandson as before.

How did you feel about winning an award?


We are very pleased and proud to participate in this campaign. It has been a lot of work to mobilize
people for more than two months!

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


We intend to play our role to raise awareness among people who watch our video, engaging them to
identify the cause and take preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of stroke.

New website for AF patients in Argentina


Country:

Argentina

Organisation: Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA)


Project summary:
The Atrial Fibrillation Association is an international charity
which provides information, support and access to
established, new or innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation.
We would like to widen access to our resources by making
our website available in Spanish.

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AFNET patient information:

Preventing CVD

Atrial fibrillation heart timing is off

The virtual AF-meter:


The tool to learn and measure the risk of suffering from AF

Country:
Germany

Organisation:
AFNET

Coordinator:
Kompetenznetz Vorhofflimmern

Project summary:
The brochure explains in terms suitable for patients what those affected should know about atrial
fibrillation: How does one recognise atrial fibrillation? What dangers does atrial fibrillation involve? What
can one do to reduce the risk of stroke? How is atrial fibrallation normally treated? What new therapies
are available? Various treatment possibilities are explained from coagulation inhibitors through rhythm
medications to catheter ablation.

How did you promote your 1M1M project?


We informed all members of the German Competence NETwork on Atrial Fibrillation (AFNET) about
our campaign and asked them for daily voting. We linked the campaign to our homepage which is
being visited by a lot of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. Especially patients are very interested
in up-to-date information about their disease because of that they were glad to vote for our project.
We advertised our project by word of mouth to our colleagues and private network. We set up an
automatic link to the 1 Mission 1 Million vote website in all emails we sent from our business account.

How do you feel about winning an award?


We are very happy about the award because now we are able to finance a new edition of the patient
brochure. The prize money enables us to provide patients and professionals first-hand information so
we could help them to manage their AF-related problems. That wouldnt have been possible without
the initiative 1 Mission 1 Million.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


The patient brochure of the AFNET contributes to increasing the knowledge of patients about their
disease. So the campaign creates awareness that enables to implement optimized measures in
treatment and prevention. These could be based on medical-interventional aspects (improved
treatment success because of improved compliance in well informed patients). Furthermore it could
promote an improved quality of life because of an adequate lifestyle.

Country:
Mexico

Organisation:
Instituto Nacional de Salud Pblica

Coordinator:
Cynthia Rosas Magallanes

Project summary:
An online course will be presented as a learning object (LO) with a total duration of 4 hours, autodirected and automated, through which we intend make aware and sensitise the general population
regarding the characteristics of atrial fibrillation (AF) as the primary risk factor for developing CVD.
One of the basic objectives of this LO will be to teach the general population the appropriate technique
to measure pulse, to know if it is regular or irregular, since there is evidence that when classifying pulse
in this manner (your own and the pulse of others), it can be appropriate enough to detect a disease
of the same type as AF and therefore to raise the level of awareness and personal responsibility to visit
the doctor.

How do you feel about winning an award?


I am so pleased to be the spokeswoman for the group behind this project. The cardiovascular
and diabetes department from the National Institute of Public Health invited me to take part in the
strategic development of two out of the three projects put forward, of which this one has been
successful. Above all, this award is an acknowledgement of the hardworking innovation and
technology teams who have been innovating health education in Mexico for 6 years. They are the
real winners and it is only thanks to their creativity and talent that I am here representing them.

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Take Care of Your Heart Knowledge Quiz

Sports meets medicine

Country:

Country:
Germany

China

Organisation:

Organisation:
(Jinghua Times Health Weekly)

Coordinator:

(Lu Yuanxing)

Project summary:
An online quiz testing knowledge of atrial fibrillation and stroke, which contains 300 questions divided
into 10 game sessions. The further one goes the more awards one can win.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


We will fulfill our promise by using the advantages of mass media, combining newspaper and internet,
to draw public attention to the prevention of AF related stroke.

Sport-Gesundheitspark Berlin e.V

Coordinator:
Peter Schwitters

Project summary:
A 1-day symposium that will deal with 10 factors within the subject of Getting to the heart of stroke,
paying special attention to the importance of physical activity and sport. The goal is that sports
scientists and coaches will communicate the connections between atrial fibrillation and strokes to their
training groups after the event.

How do you feel about winning an award?


We were very delighted when we were informed that the jury selected our project. Meanwhile we
are proud that our approach receives such a broad support that we are among the global winners.
Despite great happiness over the award we know that the real work will start now therefore we have
already started the organisation for the event.

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Information booklet

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Optimal Imaging
before pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (OPTIMA Trial)

to benefit AF patients in Argentina

Country: Argentina
Organisation: Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA)
Project summary:

Country:
Canada

Organisation:
Queens University, Heart Rhythm Service, Kingston General Hospital

The Atrial Fibrillation Association is an international charity that provides information, support and

Coordinator:

access to established, new or innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation. We would like to widen access

Kevin Michael

to our resources by making our patient information booklets available in Spanish.

Project summary:
The pre-pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) evaluation utilises several imaging strategies i.e. transthoracic
echocardiogram (TTE), contrast enhanced cardiac computerised tomography (CCT) and
transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The TEE is an invasive strategy that is potentially redundant
if the yield from CCT is optimised.

Stroke is similar to traffic accident


It is preventable and it may happen to anyone

Country:

Spain

Organisation: Unitat Neurovasvcular


Hospital Vall DHebron

Coordinator: Jorge Pagola Prez De La Blanca


Project summary:
To make clear to patients with atrial fibrillation that they have a risk factor for stroke, our project consists
of carrying out a survey to assess peoples knowledge about what a stroke is.
Afterwards, it is explained through an example which shows the mechanism of stroke
regarding atrial fibrillation.

How do you feel about winning an award?


This is a prize shared by the whole Arrhythmia Research team at Queens University. In a way it
validates the effort we put in to pursuing research which ultimately improves our clinical practice.
The fact that it was awarded by public voting, is even more rewarding since it raises public knowledge
and shows a sense of appreciation for the team of researchers and clinical staff that run the Heart
Rhythm Service.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


We are constantly attempting to refine and increase safety measures for patients undergoing
pulmonary vein isolation procedures. The procedure itself is curative itself for AF in up to
70% of patients thus impacting on stroke prevention. The award will fund further work related to
this procedure.

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Community AF Home

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Optimization of bridging treatment
for patients taking oral anticoagulants

Country:
China

Organisation:
Zigong No.1 Hospital, Sichuan, China

Coordinator:
Cao Wenzhai

Project summary:

Country:
Germany

Coordinator:
Laura Simon

Project summary:
Bridging treatment of surgery patients suffering from atrial

The grant will be used to establish local Community AF

fibrillation should be optimized during their hospital stay. In

Home at five local community medical centres where expert doctors, nurses of our hospital provide

this context, the pharmacist records the previous history of drug treatment in the course of interviews with

guidance to patients by holding monthly activities such as public lectures, patients forums to further

the patient and family doctor. Transition to the clinical drugs is carried out immediately in compliance with

the AF disease awareness education. Community doctors will set up patients record case for each AF

guidelines, while taking into consideration individual parameters (e.g. kidney functioning, interactive effects).

patient, and will pay regular visit to the patient to record their condition, instruct on their medication and
provide guidance. Community nurses will instruct patients to modify their lifestyle and be ready on side

Patients suffering from atrial fibrillation receive an oral anticoagulant to bridge the period when surgery is

to answer any questions.

performed. In order to prevent any complications, such patients must take suitable thrombosis prevention
medication during the period they undergo surgical treatment. The complex recommendations issued by

We are hoping that through these activities, patients can better understand AF, AF-related stroke and

professional medical associations must be applied while taking into account conditions in the outpatient

improve their life quality with help of the experts.

treatment of individuals who frequently suffer from more than one condition. An interdisciplinary team
(consisting of pharmacists, surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists and laboratory doctors) should prepare a

How did you promote your 1M1M project?


The dean and the president of my hospital and other colleagues have been very supportive. They
were mobilised to vote for my project. Some doctors and nurses even spread the news to mobilise
patients and their relatives. I also promote the project through QQ a widely used instant messaging
online tool to my friends and acquaintances.

How will your award help to prevent AF-related strokes?


This award will bring focus to and raise the awareness of the AF-related strokes among patients and
community medical staff. Through my project, the standardised guidelines will be mostly applied by
the doctors and nurses, which would certainly help patients with their disease control and treatment.
And hopefully this project can set a good example to bring up more similar initiatives at local or
community level that benefit AF patients in China.

guideline for internal use that defines bridging treatment procedures for patients taking oral anticoagulants.
Application of the guideline will be supported by a personal meeting between the patient and the
pharmacist at the hospital. The pharmacist will contact family doctors and/or care facilities in the case of
any unclarity. These procedures are intended to provide the patient with a means of thrombosis prevention
that reduces the risk of both hemorrhaging and stroke.

How did you promote your 1M1M project?


I advertised my project in our hospital by talking directly to the physicians and nursing staff.

How do you feel about winning an award?


Im very glad and honoured that I will receive a 1 Mission 1 Million award. Its great if your daily
work is rated highly and appreciated.

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Awareness and Screening

Red alert to stroke

of Atrial Fibrillation Among Malaysian Population

Country: Peru

Country:
Malaysia

Organisation:

Coordinator:

CERM SERVICIOS CARDIOLOGICOS

Waisun Choo

Coordinator:

Project summary:

Enrique Ruiz Mori

A community-based study screening programme and

Project summary:

questionnaire will aim to raise awareness of this common

A prevention message for the public transmitted via radio, TV or sent via internet etc. Initially you hear

abnormal heart rhythm, which is important in the prevention of stroke. Screening may help in creating

heartbeats and the question Do you know what this is? Then you hear the sounds of atrial fibrillation,

this awareness and thus reducing the incidences of atrial fibrillation-related stroke.

and the same question: Do you know that 1 out of every 4 people
older than 40 years of age develop fibrillation and if you have fibrillation your chance of stroke is
5 times greater?

I was first introduced to this project when I was in the ESC last year. When I approached the main
booth talking about 1 Mission 1 Million I thought it was a very interesting project so I went back and
did I very simple PowerPoint presentation as well as some research on atrial fibrillation and thats how
I got involved.

Know your pulse rhythm


iPhone application (app)

Country:

Global

Organisation: Atrial Fibrillation Association

(AFA)

Project summary:
APP will enhance an existing iPhone application to detect an
irregular heart rhythm, raise awareness of atrial fibrillation (AF)
and encourage diagnosis.

Why did you get in involved in 1M1M?

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THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS


AIAC (Italian Association of Arrhythmology and
Cardiostimulation)
AIC Onlus (Italian Association for Heart Patients)
A.L.I.Ce. (Italian Association against cerebral stroke)
ALT (The Italian Thrombosis and Cardiovascular
Disease Association)
AMEVASC (Mexican Association of Vascular
Diseases)
ANMCO (The Italian Association of Hospital
Cardiologists)
AntiCoagulation Europe
ATBV - Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular
Biology Study Group
Atrial Fibrillation Association
BeHRA
Brazilian Society of Cardiology
Chinese College of Cardiovascular Physicians,
Chinese Medical Doctor Association
Chinese Medical Association Cardiovascular Branch
College de Cardiologues
Cyprus Heart Association
Cyprus Hypertension Society
Cyprus Neurological Society
Cyprus Society of Cardiology
DAK
Die Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Kardiologie - Herz und
Kreislaufforschung e. V.
FADOI (Federation of Hospital Management of
Internal medicines Associations)
FEASAN (Federacin Espaola de Asociaciones de
Anticoagulados)
FEDER AIPA (Federation of the Italian blood clot
Patients Association)
Fdration Nationale des Orthophonistes
FIC (Federazione Italiana di Cardiologia)
FNAF (Fdration Nationale dAphasiques de France)
France AVC
German Cardiac Society

Heart and Lung Foundation


Hellenic Cardiological Society
Hellenic Cardiological Society of Northern Greece
Hellenic Cardiovascular Research Society
Hellenic Neurological Society
Hellenic Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases
Hellenic stroke society
Il Cuore di Roma (The Heart of Rome)
Intermunicipality Health and Welfare Network
Japan Stroke Association
Japanese Society of Electrocardiology
National Heart Institute and Malaysia Stroke Council
Philippine Heart Association
Philippine Heart Centre
Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine
SISET (Italian Association for the Study of
Haemostasis and Thrombosis)
SNO (The Italian Society of Hospital Neurologists,
Neurosurgeons and Neuroradiologists)
Societe francaise de cardiologie
Spanish Society of Neurology
Stroke Alliance For Europe
The Committee of Cardio-Cerebral-Vascular Disease,
Gerontology Society of China
The Hellenic Institute of Cardiology
The Mexican Association of Cerebral Vascular
Disease
The Swiss Heart Foundation
Trombosi e Biologia Vascolare
Turkish Society of Cardiology
World Heart Federation
50+ Hellas

www.heartofstroke.com

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