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A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
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Electrocardiographic changes in patients with ischaemic stroke and their prognostic importance

A Dogan1, E Tunc, M Ozturk

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Medical School, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. adogan35@hotmail.com

International Journal of Clinical Practice
|June 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, particularly ST-segment changes, are common in ischemic stroke patients and predict early mortality, even without primary heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Limited evidence exists on the prognostic importance of electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in ischemic stroke patients without primary heart disease.
  • ECG abnormalities are frequently observed in stroke patients, but their predictive value for mortality requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prognostic significance of various electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in patients experiencing their first ischemic stroke.
  • To determine if specific ECG findings can predict early mortality in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 162 patients with first ischemic stroke was prospectively studied over 18 months.
  • Electrocardiograms (ECG) were analyzed for ischemia-like changes, prolonged QT interval (QTc), and arrhythmias.
  • One-month mortality was assessed in relation to ECG findings, age, and other clinical factors.

Main Results:

  • Ischemia-like ECG changes were present in 79% of patients, prolonged QTc in 26%, and arrhythmias in 44%.
  • The overall one-month mortality rate was 27%.
  • Univariate predictors of mortality included age, ST-segment change, and abnormal U wave. Multivariate analysis identified age > 65 years and ST-segment change as independent predictors.

Conclusions:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes are prevalent in ischemic stroke patients, even those without pre-existing heart conditions.
  • ST-segment changes on ECG, despite moderate sensitivity and specificity, serve as an independent predictor of early mortality in ischemic stroke patients.

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