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Interatrial block as a predictor of embolic stroke

Mojca Lorbar1, Richard Levrault, Jayant G Phadke

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|February 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Interatrial block (IAB), a prolonged P wave, is common in hospitals. This study found a high incidence of IAB in embolic stroke patients, suggesting it may be a new stroke risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Interatrial block (IAB), characterized by a prolonged P wave (>=110 ms), is frequently observed in hospital patients.
  • IAB is linked to left atrial enlargement and impaired contractility.
  • The association between IAB and embolic stroke remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of Interatrial block (IAB) in patients who have experienced embolic strokes.
  • To determine if IAB is more prevalent in embolic stroke patients compared to general populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for 104 patients.
  • Identification of patients with embolic cerebrovascular events and Interatrial block (IAB).
  • Analysis of P wave duration in patients with normal sinus rhythm.

Main Results:

  • Among 61 patients in normal sinus rhythm, 49 (80%) exhibited Interatrial block (IAB).
  • The observed prevalence of IAB (80%) is nearly double that reported in previous studies (41% and 47%).

Conclusions:

  • Interatrial block (IAB) demonstrates a significantly higher prevalence in patients with embolic stroke.
  • IAB may represent a novel and important risk factor for embolic stroke.

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