Atrial fibrillation burden: an update—the need for a CHA2DS2-VASc-AFBurden score

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn D Tiver ◽  
Jing Quah ◽  
Anandaroop Lahiri ◽  
Anand N Ganesan ◽  
Andrew D McGavigan
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Clinical Risk Score ◽  
Clinical Variables ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation Burden ◽  
Current Guidelines

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established independent risk factor for stroke. Current guidelines regard AF as binary; either present or absent, with the decision for anti-coagulation driven by clinical variables alone. However, there are increasing data to support a biological gradient of AF burden and stroke risk, both in clinical and non-clinical AF phenotypes. As such, this raises the concept of combining AF burden assessment with a clinical risk score to refine and individualize the assessment of stroke risk in AF—the CHA2DS2VASc-AFBurden score. We review the published data supporting a biological gradient to try and construct a putative schema of risk attributable to AF burden.

Female sex as an independent risk factor for stroke in atrial fibrillation: Possible mechanisms

2014 ◽  
Vol 111 (03) ◽  
pp. 385-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Albert ◽  
Felicita Andreotti ◽  
Lina Badimon ◽  
Isabelle Van Gelder ◽  
Elaine Hylek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Blood Stasis ◽  
Stroke Risk Factor ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Increased Risk

SummaryAtrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for thromboembolism and stroke. Women with AF are at a higher overall risk for thromboembolic stroke when compared to men with AF. Recent evidence suggests that female sex, after adjusting for stroke risk profile and sex differences in utilisation of anticoagulation, is an independent stroke risk factor in AF. The inclusion of female sex has improved the accuracy of the CHADS2 stroke risk stratification schema (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age 75 years or greater, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or TIA). The newly revised and validated schema, CHA2DS2-VASc, dichotomises age and incorporates female sex and vascular disease history. The pathophysiological mechanisms to explain this increased risk in women are not well understood. According to Virchow’s triad, thrombosis that leads to stroke in AF should arise from three co-existing phenomena: structural abnormalities, blood stasis, and a hypercoagulable state. Herein, we explore the sex differences in the biological processes that lead to thrombus formation as applied to Virchow’s Triad. The objective of this review is to describe the potential mechanisms behind the increased risk of stroke in AF associated with female sex.

P3384Left atrial appendage pseudo-thrombus as an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Nicol ◽  
T Semple ◽  
S Baleswaran ◽  
T O M Wong
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Vascular Disease ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Strong Positive Association

Abstract Background Left atrial appendage (LAA) pseudo-thrombus is a well recognised phenomenon in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardiovascular CT (CCT). The clinical significance of LAA pseudothrombus on CCT, in those with non-valvular AF (NVAF) is unknown. Objectives To determine the association of LAA pseudo-thrombus in those with NVAF and ischaemic stroke. Methods 216 consecutive patients with NVAF, referred for CCT (with both standard and 60-second delayed acquisitions) were assessed for the LAA pseudo-thrombus, LA and LAA dimensions and morphology, cardiovascular risk factors, treatment, and ischaemic stroke risk Results Mean age (±SD) was 65.0±10.6 years (range 32–89) and 70.8% were male. LAA pseudo-thrombus was present in 59/216 (27%) patients. Ischaemic stroke is more frequent with increasing age (OR 1.10 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.06, 1.16), p<0.0001), vascular disease (3.21 (1.18, 8.75) p=0.023), pseudo-thrombus on CCT (4.18 (1.97, 8.88) p<0.0001), cauliflour LAA morphology (4.93 (1.06, 22.09) p=0.042), and increased LAA ostial area: LAA tortuosity (4.64 (1.57, 13.71) p=0.006). Age (1.09 (1.03, 1.15) p<0.0001), vascular disease (4.07 (1.19, 13.98) p=0.026), cauliflour LAA morphology (15.01 (2,93, 76.81) p=0.001) and pseudothrombus on CCT (3.62 (1.38, 9.50), p=0.009) were independently associated with ischaemic stroke. Pseudothrombus remained an independent risk factor even after CHA2DS2-VASc was included (3.21 (1.22, 8.41), p=0.018). Conclusion Pseudothrombus on CCT is a common finding in patients with NVAF and has a strong positive association with ischaemic stroke. Inclusion of pseudothrombus on CCT in risk assessment is additive to CHA2DS2-VASc in prediction of ischaemic stroke risk in patients with NVAF.

Stroke risk prediction in patients with atrial fibrillation with and without rheumatic heart disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander P Benz ◽  
Jeff S Healey ◽  
Ashley Chin ◽  
Patrick Commerford ◽  
Tamara Marsden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Rheumatic Heart Disease ◽  
Mitral Stenosis ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Rheumatic Heart

Abstract Aims Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), especially mitral stenosis, are assumed to be at high risk of stroke, irrespective of other factors. We aimed to re-evaluate stroke risk factors in a contemporary cohort of AF patients. Methods and Results We analyzed data of 15,400 AF patients presenting to an emergency department and who were enrolled in the global RE-LY AF registry, representing 47 countries from all inhabited continents. Follow-up occurred at 1 year after enrollment. A total of 1,788 (11.6%) patients had RHD. These patients were younger (51.4 ± 15.7 vs. 67.8 ± 13.6 years), more likely to be female (66.2% vs. 44.7%) and had a lower mean CHA2DS2-VASc score (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 3.7 ± 2.2) as compared to patients without RHD (all p &lt; 0.001). Significant mitral stenosis (average mean transmitral gradient 11.5 ± 6.5 mmHg) was the predominant valve lesion in those with RHD (59.6%). Patients with RHD had a higher baseline rate of anticoagulation use (60.4% vs. 45.2%, p &lt; 0.001). Unadjusted stroke rates at 1 year were 2.8% and 4.1% for patients with and without RHD, respectively. The performance of the CHA2DS2-VASc score was modest in both groups (stroke at 1 year, c-statistics 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.78 and 0.63, 95% CI 0.61-0.66, respectively). In the overall cohort, advanced age, female sex, prior stroke, tobacco use and non-use of anticoagulation were predictors for stroke (all p &lt; 0.05). Mitral stenosis was not associated with stroke risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.07, 95% CI 0.67-1.72, p = 0.764). Conclusions The performance of the CHA2DS2-VASc score was modest in AF patients both with and without RHD. In this cohort, moderate-to-severe mitral stenosis was not an independent risk factor for stroke. Translational perspective Based on studies conducted several decades ago, the presence of moderate-to-severe mitral stenosis has been associated with a very high risk of stroke in patients with AF. Our results, based on a large, global sample of contemporary patients with AF that contained a significant proportion of individuals with RHD, challenge the assumption that mitral stenosis is a major, independent risk factor for stroke. The performance of the widely used CHA2DS2-VASc score was modest in both patients with and without RHD. At least one ongoing randomized trial is evaluating the optimal antithrombotic strategy in patients with AF and RHD.

Anticoagulant therapy in practice

2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (19) ◽  
pp. 732-736
Author(s):  
Gergely Hofgárt ◽  
Csilla Vér ◽  
László Csiba
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Centre ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
Current Guidelines

Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. To prevent stroke oral anticoagulants can be administered. Old and new types of anticoagulants are available. Nowadays, old type, acenocumarol based anticoagulants are used preferentially in Hungary. Aim: The advantages and the disadvantages of anticoagulants are well known, but anticoagulants are underused in many cases. Method: The authors retrospectively examined how frequent atrial fibrillation was and whether the usage of anticoagulants in practice was in accordance with current guidelines among acute stroke cases admitted to the Department of Neurology, Medical and Health Science Centre of Debrecen University in 2009. Results: Of the 461 acute stroke cases, 96 patients had known and 22 patients had newly discovered atrial fibrillation. Half of the patients did not receive proper anticoagulation. Only 8.4% of them had their INR levels within the therapeutic range. Conclusions: The findings are similar to those reported in other studies. Many factors may contribute to the high proportion of improper use of anticoagulants, and further investigations are needed to determine these factors. In any case, elimination of these factors leading to a failure of anticoagulation may decrease the incidence of stroke. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 732–736.

Should the Presence or Extent of Coronary Artery Disease be Quantified in the CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Atrial Fibrillation? A Report from the Western Denmark Heart Registry

2018 ◽  
Vol 118 (12) ◽  
pp. 2162-2170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamilla Steensig ◽  
Kevin Olesen ◽  
Troels Thim ◽  
Jens Nielsen ◽  
Svend Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Coronary Angiography ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Artery Disease

Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have an increased risk of ischaemic stroke. The risk can be predicted by the CHA2DS2-VASc score, in which the vascular component refers to previous myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease and aortic plaque, whereas coronary artery disease (CAD) is not included. Objectives This article explores whether CAD per se or extent provides independent prognostic information of future stroke among patients with AF. Materials and Methods Consecutive patients with AF and coronary angiography performed between 2004 and 2012 were included. The endpoint was a composite of ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack and systemic embolism. The risk of ischaemic events was estimated according to the presence and extent of CAD. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated in reference to patients without CAD and adjusted for parameters included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score and treatment with anti-platelet agents and/or oral anticoagulants. Results Of 96,430 patients undergoing coronary angiography, 12,690 had AF. Among patients with AF, 7,533 (59.4%) had CAD. Mean follow-up was 3 years. While presence of CAD was an independent risk factor for the composite endpoint (adjusted IRR, 1.25; 1.06–1.47), extent of CAD defined as 1-, 2-, 3- or diffuse vessel disease did not add additional independent risk information. Conclusion Presence, but not extent, of CAD was an independent risk factor of the composite thromboembolic endpoint beyond the components already included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Consequently, we suggest that significant angiographically proven CAD should be included in the vascular disease criterion in the CHA2DS2-VASc score.

Abstract 18538: The ATRIA Stroke Risk Score Predicts Ischemic Stroke Better than CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in a large Swedish Cohort of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Aspberg ◽  
Yuchiao Chang ◽  
Daniel Singer
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Cut Points ◽  
Net Clinical Benefit ◽  
Better Than

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Anticoagulation therapy (OAC) effectively prevents AIS, but increases bleeding risk. There is a need for better AIS risk prediction to optimize the anticoagulation decision in AF. The ATRIA stroke risk score (ATRIA) (table) was superior to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in two large California community AF cohorts. We now report the performance of the 3 scores in a very large Swedish AF cohort. Methods: The cohort consisted of all Swedish patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of AF from July 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008. Predictor variables and the outcome, AIS, were obtained from inpatient ICD-10 codes. Warfarin use was determined from National Pharmacy Database. Risk scores were assessed via c-index (C) and net reclassification index (NRI). Results: The cohort included 158,370 AF patients off warfarin who contributed 340,332 person-years of follow-up, and 11,823 incident AIS, for an overall AIS rate of 3.47%/yr, higher than the 2%/yr seen in the California cohorts. Using the entire point score, ATRIA had a good C of 0.712 (0.708-0.716), significantly better than CHADS2, 0.694 (0.689-0.698), or CHA2DS2-VASc, 0.697 (0.693-0.702). Using published cut-points for Low/Moderate/High AIS risk, C deteriorated for all scores but ATRIA and CHADS2 were superior to CHA2DS2-VASc. NRI favored ATRIA; 0.16 (0.15-0.18) versus CHADS2; 0.22 (0.21-0.24) versus CHA2DS2-VASc. However, NRI decreased to near-zero when cut-points were altered to better fit the cohort’s stroke rates. Conclusion: Findings in this large Swedish AF cohort validate those in the California AF cohorts, with the ATRIA score predicting stroke risk better than CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc. However, relative performance of the categorical scores varied by population stroke risk. Knowledge about this population risk may be needed to optimize cut-points on the multipoint scores to achieve better net clinical benefit from OAC.

scholarly journals Female Sex as a Thromboembolic Risk Factor in the Era of Nonvitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Mariacarla Gallù ◽  
Giulia Marrone ◽  
Jacopo Maria Legramante ◽  
Antonino De Lorenzo ◽  
Nicola Di Daniele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
Optimal Time ◽  
Complete Evaluation ◽  
Thromboembolic Risk ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Female Sex

Sex-specific differences have been definitively demonstrated in cardiovascular (CV) diseases. These differences can also impact on the effects of CV therapies. Female sex is recognized as an independent predictor of thromboembolic risk, particularly in older patients. Most of strokes are due to atrial fibrillation (AF). Women affected by AF have higher stroke risk compared to men. The introduction of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for long-term anticoagulation completely changed the anticoagulant therapeutic approach and follow-up of patients affected by nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). CHA2DS2-VASc stroke risk scoring in use in the current international guidelines attributes 1 point to “female sex”. Besides, no anticoagulation is indicated for AF female patients without other risk factors. Interestingly, NOACs seem to normalize the differences between males and females both in terms of safety and efficacy, whereas residual higher stroke risk and systemic embolism persist in AF women treated with vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants VKA with optimal time in therapeutic range. Based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score, NOACs represent the preferred choice in NVAF patients. Moreover, complete evaluation of apparently lower risk factor along with concomitant clinical conditions in AF patients appears mandatory, particularly for female patients, in order to achieve the most appropriate anticoagulant treatment, either in male or in female patients. The present review was performed to review sex differences in AF-related thromboembolic risk reported in the literature and possibly highlight current knowledge gaps in prevention and management that need further research.

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