Competence Network Atrial Fibrillation

1. Funding phase

Project: 01GI0204
Funding period: 01.03.2003 - 31.05.2006
Volume: 7,6 mio EUR

2. Funding phase

Project: 01GI0204
Funding period: 01.06.2006 - 31.05.2008
Volume: 5,7 Mio. EUR

3. Funding phase

Project: 01GI0204
Funding period: 01.06.2008 - 31.05.2011
Volume: 2,4 Mio. EUR

Network speaker: Prof. Dr. Günter Breithardt
Universitätsklinikum Münster
Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik C (Kardiologie und Angiologie)
Domagkstr. 11
48149 Münster
Tel.: +49 251 83-45341
E-Mail: info@kompetenznetz-vorhofflimmern.de

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia resulting in irregular heart beat. About one million mainly elder people are suffering from this disease alone in Germany. In 40 years' time, the number of patients is expected to be 2.5 million due to the anticipated demographic development. The disease reduces physical fitness, impairs the quality of life and entails a high stroke risk in about 80% of the affected patients.
The national Atrial Fibrillation Competence Network is developing new methods for diagnosis and treatment. The genetic and molecular biological causes and the electrophysiological intensity of atrial fibrillation are being analysed in experimental studies.
To ensure high-quality clinical research, anonymised patient data are recorded in a data documentation system. This provides a basis mainly for large-scale epidemiological studies and the establishment of a patient register. Furthermore, new drug-based and technical forms of treatment are being evaluated in clinical trials with regard to individual patients and on the basis of quality standards and the latest findings in an ever-expanding pool of knowledge.

The Competence Network Atrial fibrillation is part of the funding measure "Competence Networks in Medicine".
For more detailed information regarding the Competence Network Atrial Fibrillation see: http://www.kompetenznetz-vorhofflimmern.de