Non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients with none or one additional risk factor of the CHA2DS2-VASc score

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (10) ◽  
pp. 826-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flemming Skjøth ◽  
Peter Nielsen ◽  
Torben Bjerregaard Larsen ◽  
Gregory Lip

SummaryOral anticoagulation (OAC) to prevent stroke has to be balanced against the potential harm of serious bleeding, especially intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). We determined the net clinical benefit (NCB) balancing effectiveness and safety of no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin and warfarin in AF patients with none or one stroke risk factor. Using Danish registries, we determined NCB using various definitions intrinsic to our cohort (Danish weights at 1 and 5 year follow-up), with risk weights which were derived from the hazard ratio (HR) of death following an event, relative to HR of death after ischaemic stroke. When aspirin was compared to no treatment, NCB was neutral or negative for both risk strata. For warfarin vs no treatment, NCB using Danish weights was neutral where no risk factors were present and using five years follow-up. For one stroke risk factor, NCB was positive for warfarin vs no treatment, for one year and five year follow-up. For warfarin vs aspirin use in patients with no risk factors, NCB was positive with one year follow-up, but neutral with five year follow-up. With one risk factor, NCB was generally positive for warfarin vs aspirin. In conclusion, we show a positive overall advantage (i.e. positive NCB) of effective stroke prevention with OAC, compared to no therapy or aspirin with one additional stroke risk factor, using Danish weights. ‘Low risk’ AF patients with no additional stroke risk factors (i.e. CHA2DS2-VASc 0 in males, 1 in females) do not derive any advantage (neutral or negative NCB) with aspirin, nor with warfarin therapy in the long run.Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M Aycock ◽  
Kenya D Kirkendoll ◽  
Kisha C Coleman ◽  
Karen C Albright ◽  
Anne W Alexandrov

Background & Purpose: Young to middle aged African Americans (AA) are at greater risk for a first-ever stroke, severe neurologic disability, and stroke-related mortality, than Caucasians of similar age; however, it remains unclear what role a family history of stroke (FHS) plays in promoting adoption of healthier lifestyles in this cohort. The purpose of this study was to explore differences between rural Stroke Belt AA with a FHS (e.g. parent/grandparent/sibling) on modifiable stroke risk factors, knowledge, perceived threat and perceived control of stroke, and exercise behaviors to AA without a FHS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted recruiting AA aged 19-54 from the Black Belt region of Alabama via a mobile health clinic. Participants’ perceptions, knowledge, exercise history/intent, physiologic data, and health history were recorded. Results: Participants (N=66) averaged 43.3+9.4 years, were 71% female, with at least 12 years of school (89%), and unemployed (62%). Common risk factors were insufficient exercise (76%), obesity (59%), hypertension (53%; blood pressure M=145+17.6/88.3+12.9), and cigarette smoking (38%). Participants with a FHS (n=33) did not differ on average number of risk factors compared to those without a FHS (FHS 2.8+1.4 vs. 2.2+1.5; t(64)= 1.73, p=.089), nor did they differ on physiologic data. However, participants with a FHS were more likely to report a history of hypertension (67%) compared to those without a FHS (33%; χ2 =4.93, p <.05). There were no significant differences between groups for knowledge of stroke risk factors, perceived threat and perceived control of stroke, or recent exercise performance, although participants with a FHS (3.4+1.2) had significantly lower future intentions to exercise compared to those without a FHS (3.9+0.8); t(64)=2.45, p<.05). Conclusions: Although FHS is a significant non-modifiable risk factor for stroke and was common in this young to middle-aged AA cohort, FHS did not drive perceived stroke risk, risk factor control, or current/future intentions to exercise. Identification of interventions designed to personalize FHS as a key stroke risk factor, while promoting lifestyle change and self-management, may play an important role in future primary stroke prevention.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kaddumukasa ◽  
Jane Nakibuuka ◽  
James Kayima ◽  
Elly Katabira ◽  
Carol Blixen ◽  
...  

Background: Stroke is a neurological condition with rapidly increasing burden in many low- and middle-income countries. Africa is particularly hard-hit due to rapid population growth, patterns of industrialization, adoption of harmful western diets, and increased prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. Reducing stroke risk factors and teaching people to respond to stroke warning signs can prevent stroke and reduce burden. However, being able to address gaps in knowledge and improving both preventative and early-response care requires a clear understanding of practical and potentially modifiable topics. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in urban Mukono district in central Uganda. Through a systematic sampling method, data were gathered from 440 adult participants who were interviewed about selected aspects of stroke knowledge, attitudes and perception, using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 440 study participants enrolled for this study nearly 52% correctly reported that stroke involves the brain, while 57% reported that stroke is preventable. Majority of the participants 75.7% reported stress as a contributing factor. Only 45.7% of the study participants reported hypertension as a risk factor. Only two (0.5%) study participants identified cigarette smoking as a stroke risk factor. Of the eighty six study participants with hypertension only 39.5% knew hypertension as a risk factor and only 10.7% knew three or more stroke risk factors. Conclusion: Stroke knowledge is poor in urban Uganda. Individuals with hypertension had poor knowledge regarding stroke in spite their high risk for stroke. Stress and hypertension are the leading perceived risk factors in our settings. While stress is highly reported as a stroke risk factor in this study hypertension is likely a more amenable and practical intervention target.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 532-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Ellis

Racial differences have been observed in stroke-related knowledge and knowledge of specific stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices. Using data from 134 male stroke survivors, racial differences in overall knowledge, risk factor knowledge, and stroke prevention practices were examined using the Stroke Knowledge Test. Knowledge that diabetes doubles ones risk of stroke was present in 48% of the participants, while knowledge of aspirin in the prevention of stroke by stopping blood clot formation was reported in 83% of the participants. Findings indicate participants were knowledgeable that obesity increased risk of stroke (71%) and high blood pressure was the most important stroke risk factor (70%). Participants indicated knowledge that diet, exercise, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol reduces risk of stroke (86%). In regression models, there were no significant race differences in overall stroke knowledge or the odds of knowledge of information related to stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices after adjusting for age, education, and marital status. Although stroke-related knowledge did not differ by race, stroke survivors exhibited gaps in stroke knowledge particularly of knowledge of common risk factors. These factors should be considered in approaches to improve stroke-related knowledge in all stroke survivors.


Author(s):  
Sun Young Choi ◽  
Moo Hyun Kim ◽  
Kwang Min Lee ◽  
Young‐Rak Cho ◽  
Jong Sung Park ◽  
...  

Background The CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score has been validated for stroke risk prediction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Antithrombotic therapy is not recommended for low‐risk patients with AF (CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc 0 [male] or 1 [female]). We studied a cohort of initially low‐risk patients with AF in relation to their development of incident comorbidities and their treatment on oral anticoagulation therapy. Methods and Results We assessed data from 14 441 low‐risk patients with AF (CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score of 0 [male] or 1 [female]) using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, in relation to their development of incident stroke risk factors and adverse outcomes. The clinical end point was the occurrence of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, all‐cause death, or the composite outcome (ischemic stroke + major bleeding + all‐cause death). In our cohort, 2615 (29.1%) male and 1650 (30.3%) female patients acquired at least 1 new stroke risk factor during a mean follow‐up of 2.0 years. Among the patients with an increasing CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score ≥1, male and female patients treated with oral anticoagulants had a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke (male: hazard ratio [HR], 0.62 [95% CI, 0.44–0.82; P =0.003]; female: HR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.47–0.84; P =0.007]), all‐cause death (male: HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49–0.88; P =0.009]; female: HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.63–1.02; P =0.185]), and composite outcomes (male: HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.61–0.95; P =0.042]; female: HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.62–0.96; P =0.045]) than patients not treated with oral anticoagulants. Conclusions Approximately 30% of patients acquired ≥1 stroke risk factor over a 2‐year follow‐up period. Low‐risk patients with AF should be regularly reassessed to adequately identify those with incident stroke risk factors that would merit thromboprophylaxis for the prevention of stroke and the composite outcome.


Vascular ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 497-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maged M Metias ◽  
Naomi Eisenberg ◽  
Michael D Clemente ◽  
Elizabeth M Wooster ◽  
Andrew D Dueck ◽  
...  

Background The level of knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms within a population may determine their ability to recognize and ultimately react to a stroke. Independent agencies have addressed this through extensive awareness campaigns. The aim of this study was to determine the change in baseline knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and source of stroke knowledge in a high-risk Toronto population between 2010 and 2015. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to adults presenting to cardiovascular clinics at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. In 2010 and 2015, a total of 207 and 818 individuals, respectively, participated in the study. Participants were identified as stroke literate if they identified (1) at least one stroke risk factor and (2) at least one stroke symptom. Results A total of 198 (95.6%) and 791 (96.7%) participants, respectively, completed the questionnaire in 2010 and 2015. The most frequently identified risk factors for stroke in 2010 and 2015 were, respectively, smoking (58.1%) and hypertension (49.0%). The most common stroke symptom identified was trouble speaking (56.6%) in 2010 and weakness, numbness or paralysis (67.1%) in 2015. Approximately equal percentages of respondents were able to identify ≥1 risk factor (80.3% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.34) and ≥1 symptom (90.9% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.38). Overall, the proportion of respondents who were able to correctly list ≥1 stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms was similar in both groups.(76.8% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.70). The most commonly reported stroke information resource was television (61.1% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.09). Conclusion Stroke literacy has remained stable in this selected high-risk population despite large investments in public campaigns over recent years. However, the baseline remains high over the study period. Evaluation of previous campaigns and development of targeted advertisements using more commonly used media sources offer opportunities to enhance education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S506-S506
Author(s):  
Folusakin Ayoade ◽  
Dushyantha Jayaweera

Abstract Background The risk of ischemic stroke (IS) is known to be higher in people living with HIV (PLWH) than uninfected controls. However, information about the demographics and risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke (HS) in PLWH is scant. Specifically, very little is known about the differences in the stroke risk factors between HS and IS in PLWH. The goal of this study was to determine the demographics and risk factor differences between HS and IS in PLWH. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the demographic and clinical data of PLWH in OneFlorida (1FL) Clinical Research Consortium from October 2015 to December 2018. 1FL is a large statewide clinical research network and database which contains health information of over 15 million patients, 1240 clinical practices, and 22 hospitals. We compared HS and IS based on documented ICD 9 and 10 diagnostic codes and extracted information about sociodemographic data, traditional stroke risk factors, Charlson comorbidity scores, habits, HIV factors, diagnostic modalities and medications. Statistical significance was determined using 2-sample T-test for continuous variables and adjusted Pearson chi square for categorical variables. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between groups were compared. Results Overall, from 1FL sample of 13986 people living with HIV, 574 subjects had strokes during the study period. The rate of any stroke was 18.2/1000 person-years (PYRS). The rate of IS was 10.8/1000 PYRS while the rate of HS was 3.7/1000 PYRS, corresponding to 25.4% HS of all strokes in the study. Table 1 summarizes the pertinent demographic and risk factors for HS and IS in PLWH in the study. Table 1: Summary of pertinent demographic and risk factors for hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes in people living with HIV from One Florida database Conclusion In this large Floridian health database, demographics and risk factor profile differs between HS and IS in PLWH. Younger age group is associated with HS than IS. However, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease are more likely to contribute to IS than HS in PLWH. Further research is needed to better understand the interplay between known and yet unidentified risk factors that may be contributing to HS and IS in PLWH. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Wienbergen ◽  
A Fach ◽  
S Meyer ◽  
J Schmucker ◽  
R Osteresch ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The effects of an intensive prevention program (IPP) for 12 months following 3-week rehabilitation after myocardial infarction (MI) have been proven by the randomized IPP trial. The present study investigates if the effects of IPP persist one year after termination of the program and if a reintervention after &gt;24 months (“prevention boost”) is effective. Methods In the IPP trial patients were recruited during hospitalization for acute MI and randomly assigned to IPP versus usual care (UC) one month after discharge (after 3-week rehabilitation). IPP was coordinated by non-physician prevention assistants and included intensive group education sessions, telephone calls, telemetric and clinical control of risk factors. Primary study endpoint was the IPP Prevention Score, a sum score evaluating six major risk factors. The score ranges from 0 to 15 points, with a score of 15 points indicating best risk factor control. In the present study the effects of IPP were investigated after 24 months – one year after termination of the program. Thereafter, patients of the IPP study arm with at least one insufficiently controlled risk factor were randomly assigned to a 2-months reintervention (“prevention boost”) vs. no reintervention. Results At long-term follow-up after 24 months, 129 patients of the IPP study arm were compared to 136 patients of the UC study arm. IPP was associated with a significantly better risk factor control compared to UC at 24 months (IPP Prevention Score 10.9±2.3 points in the IPP group vs. 9.4±2.3 points in the UC group, p&lt;0.01). However, in the IPP group a decrease of risk factor control was observed at the 24-months visit compared to the 12-months visit at the end of the prevention program (IPP Prevention Score 10.9±2.3 points at 24 months vs. 11.6±2.2 points at 12 months, p&lt;0.05, Figure 1). A 2-months reintervention (“prevention boost”) was effective to improve risk factor control during long-term course: IPP Prevention Score increased from 10.5±2.1 points to 10.7±1.9 points in the reintervention group, while it decreased from 10.5±2.1 points to 9.7±2.1 points in the group without reintervention (p&lt;0.05 between the groups, Figure 1). Conclusions IPP was associated with a better risk factor control compared to UC during 24 months; however, a deterioration of risk factors after termination of IPP suggests that even a 12-months prevention program is not long enough. The effects of a short reintervention after &gt;24 months (“prevention boost”) indicate the need for prevention concepts that are based on repetitive personal contacts during long-term course after coronary events. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Stiftung Bremer Herzen (Bremen Heart Foundation)


Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Howard ◽  
Mary Cushman ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Brett M Kissela ◽  
David C Goff ◽  
...  

Purpose: The importance of stroke research in the elderly is increasing as America is “graying.” For most risk factors for most diseases (including stroke), the magnitude of association with incident events decreases at older ages. Potential changes in the impact of risk factors could be a “true” effect, or could be due to methodological issues such as age-related changes in residual confounding. Methods: REGARDS followed 27,748 stroke-free participants age 45 and over for an average of 5.3 years, during which 715 incident strokes occurred. The association of the “Framingham” risk factors (hypertension [HTN], diabetes, smoking, AFib, LVH and heart disease) with incident stroke risk was assessed in age strata of 45-64 (Young), 65-74 (Middle), and 75+ (Old). For those with and without an “index” risk factor (e.g., HTN), the average number of “other” risk factors was calculated. Results: With the exception of AFib, there was a monotonic decrease in the magnitude of the impact across the age strata, with HTN, diabetes, smoking and LVH even becoming non-significant in the elderly (Figure 1). However, for most factors, the increasing prevalence of other risk factors with age impacts primarily those with the index risk factor absent (Figure 2, example HTN as the “index” risk factor). Discussion: The impact of stroke risk factors substantially declined at older ages. However, this decrease is partially attributable to increases in the prevalence of other risk factors among those without the index risk factor, as there was little change in the prevalence of other risk factors in those with the index risk factor. Hence, the impact of the index risk factor is attenuated by increased risk in the comparison group. If this phenomenon is active with latent risk factors, estimates from multivariable analysis will also decrease with age. A deeper understanding of age-related changes in the impact of risk factors is needed.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren T Larsen ◽  
Helmi L Lutsep

Background and Issues Aggressive management of vascular risk factors reduces stroke rates. It is unknown whether structured nurse-led follow up increases adherence rates for stroke patients after hospital discharge. Purpose The purpose of this program is to improve secondary stroke risk factor management by instituting a nurse-led initiative called Stroke Therapy, Education, Prevention (STEP). Methods The pilot STEP program was based on protocols used for other stroke prevention trials. This nurse-led program includes inpatient initiation and outpatient maintenance of pharmacologic and lifestyle goals for stroke patients. Eligible patients have a non-disabling ischemic stroke or TIA and are without insurance restrictions and live within a distance allowing return to clinic for follow up. Prior to discharge, the STEP nurse completes patient education, and reviews outpatient goals. The STEP nurse makes phone contact with the patient 7-10 days after discharge to review medication compliance and reinforce education. At 30 days post discharge patients are seen in clinic by the STEP nurse where a resting blood pressure (BP) is measured. If the patient does not meet targets (<140 SBP or <130 SBP for DM) medications are adjusted by a stroke neurologist. We undertook a retrospective chart review of a consecutive cohort of patients matched to STEP eligibility criteria to determine whether the program improved retention rates and BP management. Chi-Square analysis was used to compare visit adherence and percentage achieving goal BPs at 30 days. Results In the STEP group 25/32(78%) patients completed the 30 day follow up compared to 14/32 (44%) patients in the historical matched cohort (p=0.0048). Target BP was achieved in 13/25(52%) STEP patients and 5/14 (36%) matched cohort patients (p=0.32) returning to clinic. Overall, target BP was achieved in 13/32 (41%) and 5/32 (16%) respectively (p=0.026). Conclusions In conclusion, follow up adherence and BP management in the group as a whole was better in the nurse-led model and is recommended for secondary stroke prevention. Long term follow up with this model may further increase in-target rates of BP control and other stroke risk factors.


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