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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

[Lower mortality in patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation who received anticoagulation treatment]

Klaus Kaae Andersen1, Tom Skyhøj Olsen

  • 1Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Informatik og Matematisk Modellering.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 31, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Anticoagulation (AC) treatment significantly reduces mortality risk in hospitalized stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The study found under-use of AC in elderly patients, leading to a doubled risk of death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition associated with increased stroke risk.
  • Effective anticoagulation (AC) is crucial for preventing stroke-related mortality in AF patients.
  • This study examines AC utilization and outcomes in a Danish stroke registry.

Purpose:

  • To assess the utilization of anticoagulation (AC) in hospitalized stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • To determine the association between AC treatment and mortality risk in this patient population.
  • To identify factors influencing AC prescription and highlight potential under-use.

Summary:

  • A Danish registry identified 1,909 stroke patients with AF eligible for anticoagulation (AC).
  • AC was administered to 60.2% of patients, influenced by age and stroke severity.
  • Cox regression analysis revealed a doubled mortality risk (HR=1.91) for patients not receiving AC.

Impact:

  • The findings indicate a significant under-utilization of AC in elderly stroke patients with AF.
  • This under-use is linked to increased mortality, emphasizing the need for improved treatment guidelines.
  • Optimizing AC therapy in AF stroke patients can potentially save lives and reduce healthcare burdens.

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