Incidence and risk of short episodes of atrial fibrillation detected with 14 days of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
W.F McIntyre ◽  
J Wang ◽  
S.J Connolly ◽  
I.C Van Gelder ◽  
R.D Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
Electrocardiographic Monitoring ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background There is widespread interest in population-based screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is debate regarding the optimal screening method and duration. Objectives To estimate the incidence of short-duration AF detected by a single continuous 14-day electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor in older individuals without prior AF and to estimate the risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism associated with these episodes. Methods Pacemaker and defibrillator electrograms were reviewed from a cohort of individuals ≥65 years old, with a history of hypertension, but no prior AF. For each participant, we simulated a continuous 14-day ECG monitor by randomly selecting a 14-day window in the 6 months following enrolment and measured the total AF burden during that period. We repeated random sampling 1000 times to ensure a robust estimate of the likelihood of capturing AF in a single 14-day period. We used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for CHA2DS2-VASc score to estimate the risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism associated with different burdens of AF. Results Among 2470 participants with at least 6 months of follow-up, the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.0±1.3. The proportion of participants with an AF burden of >6 min on a single 14-day monitor was estimated as 3.1%, while the proportion with burdens of >15 min and >30 min were 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively. Over a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, 44 participants had an ischemic stroke or systemic embolism; the rate among patients with an AF burden ≤6 mins was 0.70%/year. An AF burden >6 min was associated with an increased risk of stroke or systemic embolism (2.2%/year, HR 3.0; 95% CI 1.3–5.7), as were burdens >15 min (2.4%/year; HR 3.3; 95% CI 1.4–6.4) and >30 min (2.6%/year HR 3.5; 95% CI 1.5–6.7). Conclusion Approximately 3% of individuals aged 65 years and older and with hypertension may have previously undiagnosed asymptomatic AF detected by a single 14-day continuous ECG monitor. As little as 6 minutes of AF may be associated with an increased risk of stroke. Randomized clinical trials are required to definitively assess screening in this population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Abstract 2646: Aortic Arch Plaques and Risk of Vascular Events in Subjects Without Prior Stroke

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesare Russo ◽  
Zhezhen Jin ◽  
Ralph L Sacco ◽  
Shunichi Homma ◽  
Tatjana Rundek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Aortic Arch ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Vascular Events ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Prior Stroke

BACKGROUND: Aortic arch plaques (AAP) are a risk factor for cardiovascular embolic events. However, the risk of vascular events associated with AAP in the general population is unclear. AIM: To assess whether AAP detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are associated with an increased risk of vascular events in a stroke-free cohort. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of stroke-free subjects over age 50 from the Aortic Plaques and Risk of Ischemic Stroke (APRIS) study. AAP were assessed by multiplane TEE, and considered large if ≥ 4 mm in thickness. Vascular events including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and vascular death were recorded during the follow-up. The association between AAP and outcomes was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A group of 209 subjects was studied (mean age 67±9 years; 45% women; 14% whites, 30% blacks, 56% Hispanics). AAP of any size were present in 130 subjects (62%); large AAP in 50 (24%). Subjects with AAP were older (69±8 vs. 63±7 years), had higher systolic BP (146±21 vs.139±20 mmHg), were more often white (19% vs. 8%), smokers (20% vs. 9%) and more frequently had a history of coronary artery disease (26% vs. 14%) than those without AAP (all p<0.05). Lipid parameters, prevalence of atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus were not significantly different between the two groups. During the follow up (94±29 months) 30 events occurred (13 myocardial infarctions, 11 ischemic strokes, 6 vascular deaths). After adjustment for other risk factors, AAP of any size were not associated with an increased risk of combined vascular events (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.56). The same result was observed for large AAP (HR 0.94, CI 0.34 to 2.64). Age (HR 1.05, CI 1.01 to 1.10), body mass index (HR 1.08, CI 1.01 to 1.15) and atrial fibrillation (HR 3.52, CI 1.07 to 11.61) showed independent association with vascular events. In a sub-analysis with ischemic stroke as outcome, neither AAP of any size nor large AAP were associated with an increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort without prior stroke, the incidental detection of AAP was not associated with an increased risk of future vascular events. Associated co-factors may affect the AAP-related risk of vascular events reported in previous studies.

Abstract 14262: Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Cardiac Implanted Electronic Devices

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek S Chew ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Benjamin A Steinberg ◽  
Emily C Obrien ◽  
Jessica Pritchard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Introduction: The relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) burden and the risk of adverse outcomes is incompletely understood. Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study of patients with a clinical history of non-permanent AF who underwent a new implantation of an Abbott cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) between 2010 and 2016, we linked Merlin.net TM remote-monitoring data with Medicare claims to assess the association between device-detected AF burden (daily percentage in AF) and outcomes of all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, cardiovascular (CV) hospitalization, or ischemic stroke over 1-year of follow up via Kaplan-Meier estimates, cumulative incidence function and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results: Among 39,710 AF patients with de novo CIEDs, the median age was 77.1±8.7 years, 60.7% were male, and the mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 4.9±1.3. Over the 1-year follow up period, there were 3,523 (cumulative incidence of 9%) deaths, 446 (1.1%) ischemic strokes, 15,736 (40%) hospitalizations, and 11,869 (30%) CV-related hospitalizations. Increasing AF burden (per 10 percentage points) was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.08), all-cause hospitalization (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03, 1.05), CV hospitalization (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.05) and ischemic stroke (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10). There was a similar direction in these outcome associations when AF burden was analyzed as a categorical variable (Figure) or using an alternate definition of AF burden (maximum single-episode AF duration). Conclusions: Among older patients with non-permanent AF, there is an exposure-response relationship between AF burden and adverse outcomes. These data suggest that early intervention and CV risk factor modification aimed at slowing the progression of AF may reduce long term AF-related adverse CV outcomes.

scholarly journals Sex-Specific Associations between Blood Pressure and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Subtypes in the Tromsø Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1514
Author(s):  
Hilde Espnes ◽  
Jocasta Ball ◽  
Maja-Lisa Løchen ◽  
Tom Wilsgaard ◽  
Inger Njølstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Pressure Management ◽  
Reference Models ◽  
Proportional Hazards Regression ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Increased Risk

The aim of this study was to explore sex-specific associations between systolic blood pressure (SBP), hypertension, and the risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF) subtypes, including paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent AF, in a general population. A total of 13,137 women and 11,667 men who participated in the fourth survey of the Tromsø Study (1994–1995) were followed up for incident AF until the end of 2016. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted using fractional polynomials for SBP to provide sex- and AF-subtype-specific hazard ratios (HRs) for SBP. An SBP of 120 mmHg was used as the reference. Models were adjusted for other cardiovascular risk factors. Over a mean follow-up of 17.6 ± 6.6 years, incident AF occurred in 914 (7.0%) women (501 with paroxysmal/persistent AF and 413 with permanent AF) and 1104 (9.5%) men (606 with paroxysmal/persistent AF and 498 with permanent AF). In women, an SBP of 180 mmHg was associated with an HR of 2.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60–2.76) for paroxysmal/persistent AF and an HR of 1.80 (95% CI 1.33–2.44) for permanent AF. In men, an SBP of 180 mmHg was associated with an HR of 1.90 (95% CI 1.46–2.46) for paroxysmal/persistent AF, while there was no association with the risk of permanent AF. In conclusion, increasing SBP was associated with an increased risk of both paroxysmal/persistent AF and permanent AF in women, but only paroxysmal/persistent AF in men. Our findings highlight the importance of sex-specific risk stratification and optimizing blood pressure management for the prevention of AF subtypes in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Impact of atrial fibrillation pattern on outcomes after left atrial appendage closure: lessons from the prospective LAARGE registry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinwan Kany ◽  
Johannes Brachmann ◽  
Thorsten Lewalter ◽  
Ibrahim Akin ◽  
Horst Sievert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

Abstract Background Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death. Methods Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with paroxysmal AF (PAF) against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC (LAARGE). Results A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), while HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was comparable. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77). In the three-month echo follow-up, LA thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak > 5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p = 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02–2.72, p = 0.041). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Acute cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients with hyperthyroidism: a population-based cohort study

2017 ◽  
Vol 176 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaf M Dekkers ◽  
Erzsébet Horváth-Puhó ◽  
Suzanne C Cannegieter ◽  
Jan P Vandenbroucke ◽  
Henrik Toft Sørensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Arterial Embolism ◽  
Registration System ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Objective Several studies have shown an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hyperthyroidism, but most studies have been too small to address the effect of hyperthyroidism on individual cardiovascular endpoints. Our main aim was to assess the association among hyperthyroidism, acute cardiovascular events and mortality. Design It is a nationwide population-based cohort study. Data were obtained from the Danish Civil Registration System and the Danish National Patient Registry, which covers all Danish hospitals. We compared the rate of all-cause mortality as well as venous thromboembolism (VTE), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischemic and non-ischemic stroke, arterial embolism, atrial fibrillation (AF) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the two cohorts. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. Results The study included 85 856 hyperthyroid patients and 847 057 matched population-based controls. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 years. The HR for mortality was highest in the first 3 months after diagnosis of hyperthyroidism: 4.62, 95% CI: 4.40–4.85, and remained elevated during long-term follow-up (>3 years) (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.33–1.37). The risk for all examined cardiovascular events was increased, with the highest risk in the first 3 months after hyperthyroidism diagnosis. The 3-month post-diagnosis risk was highest for atrial fibrillation (HR: 7.32, 95% CI: 6.58–8.14) and arterial embolism (HR: 6.08, 95% CI: 4.30–8.61), but the risks of VTE, AMI, ischemic and non-ischemic stroke and PCI were increased also 2- to 3-fold. Conclusions We found an increased risk for all-cause mortality and acute cardiovascular events in patients with hyperthyroidism.

scholarly journals Low Body Weight Increases the Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Major Bleeding in Atrial Fibrillation: The COOL-AF Registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2713
Author(s):  
Rungroj Krittayaphong ◽  
Ply Chichareon ◽  
Chulalak Komoltri ◽  
Sakaorat Kornbongkotmas ◽  
Ahthit Yindeengam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Multicenter Cohort Study ◽  
Clinical Events ◽  
Increased Risk

We aimed to determine if low body weight (LBW) status (<50 kg) is independently associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and bleeding in Thai patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). (1) Background: It has been unclear whether LBW influence clinical outcome of patients with NVAF. (2) Methods: This prospective multicenter cohort study included patients enrolled in the COOL-AF Registry. The following data were collected: demographic data, medical history, risk factors and comorbid conditions, laboratory and investigation data, and medications. Follow-up data were collected every 6 months. Clinical events during follow-up were confirmed by the adjudication committee. (3) Results: A total of 3367 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 67.2 ± 11.2 years. LBW was present in 338 patients (11.3%). Anticoagulant and antiplatelet was prescribed in 75.3% and 26.2% of patients, respectively. Ischemic stroke, major bleeding, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and death occurred during follow-up in 2.9%, 4.4%, 1.4%, and 7.7% of patients, respectively, during 25.7 months follow-up. LBW was an independent predictor of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, ICH, and death, with a hazard ratio of 2.40, 1.79, 2.37, and 2.65, respectively. (4) Conclusions: LBW was independently associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes in Thai patients with NVAF. This should be carefully considered when balancing the risks and benefits of stroke prevention among patients with different body weights.

Abstract 12799: Left Atrial Enlargement is an Independent Risk Factor of Stroke or Systemic Embolism in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: The Fushimi AF Registry

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Hamatani ◽  
Daisuke Takagi ◽  
Hisashi Ogawa ◽  
Masahiro Esato ◽  
Yeong-Hwa Chun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
Left Atrial Diameter ◽  
Left Atrial Enlargement ◽  
Valvular Heart Diseases ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Atrial Enlargement

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmic disorder and increasing significantly. Stroke or systemic embolism (SE) is a devastating complication of AF. Controversy exists regarding whether left atrial enlargement is a risk factor of stroke/SE in AF patients. Hypothesis: Left atrial enlargement might be associated with the incidence of stroke/SE. Methods: The Fushimi AF Registry, a community-based prospective survey, was designed to enroll all of the AF patients in Fushimi-ku, which represented a typical urban community in Japan. We started to enroll patients from March 2011, and follow-up data were available for 2,724 patients by April 2015 (median follow-up period 808 days). Left atrial enlargement (LAE) was diagnosed if the left atrial diameter measured by transthoracic echocardiography was >45 mm. We compared the backgrounds and incidences of events during follow-up period between those with LAE and those without it (non-LAE). Results: Backgrounds and incidences of events between LAE and non-LAE are shown in the Table. LAE group showed higher incidence of stroke/SE during follow-up period, compared with non-LAE group (hazard ratio (HR): 1.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-2.57, p<0.01). After adjustment by the components of CHADS2 score and oral anticoagulant prescription, LAE was independently associated with higher risk for stroke/SE (HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.20-2.43, p<0.01). This was also the case when we defined cut-off as 40 mm (HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.12-2.55, p=0.01), and as 50 mm (HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08-2.29, p=0.02), or we analyzed left atrial diameter as continuous variables (HR (per 1mm): 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, p<0.01). Even after adjustment by type of AF (paroxysmal or sustained) and valvular heart diseases, LAE remained to be independently associated with the risk of stroke/SE (HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08-2.31, p=0.02). Conclusion: Left atrial enlargement was independently associated with the increased risk of stroke/SE in AF patients.

73Hemoglobin a1c levels and the risk of ischemic stroke and mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Kezerle ◽  
M A Tsadok ◽  
A Akriv ◽  
B Feldman ◽  
M Leventer-Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Hba1c Levels

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Pfizer Israel Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of embolic complications in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Whether the risk of stroke in AF patients remains the same among the wide spectrum of disease is yet to be determined. Aim Among individuals with AF and DM, to assess the incidence rates and risk of ischemic stroke and mortality by baseline HbA1C levels. Methods We conducted a prospective, historical cohort study using the Clalit Health Services (CHS) electronic medical records database. The study population included all CHS members ≥ 21 years old, with a first diagnosis of NVAF between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016 and a minimal follow-up period of 1 year. Among those patients identified as diabetics, we compared three groups of patients according to HBA1C levels at the time of AF diagnosis: &lt;7.0%, between 7-9% and ≥ 9%. Results A total of 44,451 cases were identified. The median age was 75 years (IQR 65-83) and 52.5% were women. During a mean follow up of 38 months, the incidence of stroke per 100 person-years in the three study groups was: 1.9 in patients with HBA1C &lt;7%, 2.37 in the intermediary group and 2.72 in those with HBA1C &gt;9%. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, higher levels of HBA1C were associated with an increased risk of stroke compared with a dose-dependent response when compared to individuals with HBA1C &lt;7% (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) = 1.32 {95% CI 1.12-1.55}for levels between 7-9% and AHR 1.64 {95% CI 1.28-2.09}) even after adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASC individual risk factors and use of oral anti-coagulants. The risk for overall mortality did not differ significantly between groups, with a slight elevation in the HBA1C &gt;9% group after adjusted analysis {aHR = 1.17 (1.07- 1.28)} Conclusion: In this observational cohort of patients with incident newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, HBA1C levels were associated with an increased risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner even after accounting for other recognized risk factors for stroke in this population. Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier for stroke-free survival

scholarly journals Searching for Atrial Fibrillation Poststroke

Circulation ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 140 (22) ◽  
pp. 1834-1850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renate B. Schnabel ◽  
Karl Georg Haeusler ◽  
Jeffrey S. Healey ◽  
Ben Freedman ◽  
Giuseppe Boriani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Embolic Stroke ◽  
Ecg Monitoring ◽  
Electrocardiographic Monitoring ◽  
Unknown Source ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Cardiac thromboembolism attributed to atrial fibrillation (AF) is responsible for up to one-third of ischemic strokes. Stroke may be the first manifestation of previously undetected AF. Given the efficacy of oral anticoagulants in preventing AF-related ischemic strokes, strategies of searching for AF after a stroke using ECG monitoring followed by oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment have been proposed to prevent recurrent cardioembolic strokes. This white paper by experts from the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration summarizes existing evidence and knowledge gaps on searching for AF after a stroke by using ECG monitoring. New AF can be detected by routine plus intensive ECG monitoring in approximately one-quarter of patients with ischemic stroke. It may be causal, a bystander, or neurogenically induced by the stroke. AF after a stroke is a risk factor for thromboembolism and a strong marker for atrial myopathy. After acute ischemic stroke, patients should undergo 72 hours of electrocardiographic monitoring to detect AF. The diagnosis requires an ECG of sufficient quality for confirmation by a health professional with ECG rhythm expertise. AF detection rate is a function of monitoring duration and quality of analysis, AF episode definition, interval from stroke to monitoring commencement, and patient characteristics including old age, certain ECG alterations, and stroke type. Markers of atrial myopathy (eg, imaging, atrial ectopy, natriuretic peptides) may increase AF yield from monitoring and could be used to guide patient selection for more intensive/prolonged poststroke ECG monitoring. Atrial myopathy without detected AF is not currently sufficient to initiate OAC. The concept of embolic stroke of unknown source is not proven to identify patients who have had a stroke benefitting from empiric OAC treatment. However, some embolic stroke of unknown source subgroups (eg, advanced age, atrial enlargement) might benefit more from non–vitamin K-dependent OAC therapy than aspirin. Fulfilling embolic stroke of unknown source criteria is an indication neither for empiric non–vitamin K-dependent OAC treatment nor for withholding prolonged ECG monitoring for AF. Clinically diagnosed AF after a stroke or a transient ischemic attack is associated with significantly increased risk of recurrent stroke or systemic embolism, in particular, with additional stroke risk factors, and requires OAC rather than antiplatelet therapy. The minimum subclinical AF duration required on ECG monitoring poststroke/transient ischemic attack to recommend OAC therapy is debated.

Left Atrial Size and Ischemic Events after Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 619-624
Author(s):  
Keisuke Tokunaga ◽  
Masatoshi Koga ◽  
Sohei Yoshimura ◽  
Yasushi Okada ◽  
Hiroshi Yamagami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Event ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
Ischemic Events

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The present study aimed to clarify the association between left atrial (LA) size and ischemic events after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with NVAF were enrolled. LA size was classified into normal LA size, mild LA enlargement (LAE), moderate LAE, and severe LAE. The ischemic event was defined as ischemic stroke, TIA, carotid endarterectomy, carotid artery stenting, acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention, systemic embolism, aortic aneurysm rupture or dissection, peripheral artery disease requiring hospitalization, or venous thromboembolism. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 1,043 patients (mean age, 78 years; 450 women) including 1,002 ischemic stroke and 41 TIA were analyzed. Of these, 351 patients (34%) had normal LA size, 298 (29%) had mild LAE, 198 (19%) had moderate LAE, and the remaining 196 (19%) had severe LAE. The median follow-up duration was 2.0 years (interquartile range, 0.9–2.1). During follow-up, 117 patients (11%) developed at least one ischemic event. The incidence rate of total ischemic events increased with increasing LA size. Severe LAE was independently associated with increased risk of ischemic events compared with normal LA size (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–3.00). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Severe LAE was associated with increased risk of ischemic events after ischemic stroke or TIA in patients with NVAF.

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