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Premature ventricular complexes and the risk of incident stroke: the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study

Sunil K Agarwal1, Gerardo Heiss, Pentti M Rautaharju

  • 1University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7075, USA.

Stroke
|February 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are linked to a higher risk of stroke, especially in those without hypertension or diabetes. This finding suggests PVCs may signal underlying cardiovascular issues or contribute to stroke development.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common electrocardiogram findings.
  • PVCs are associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease and death.
  • They may indicate atherosclerosis or other pathways leading to arrhythmias and stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between baseline PVCs and the risk of incident stroke.
  • To assess this risk in a large cohort of middle-aged adults.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of the Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study cohort (n=14,783).
  • Assessment of PVC presence at baseline (1987-1989).
  • Follow-up for incident stroke through December 31, 2004.

Main Results:

  • PVCs were present in 6.1% of participants; 4.9% experienced incident stroke.
  • Individuals with PVCs had a higher unadjusted risk of stroke (HR: 1.71).
  • PVCs were independently associated with stroke risk in those without hypertension and diabetes (HR: 1.72).
  • The association was stronger for embolic stroke and increased with PVC frequency.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent PVCs are associated with incident stroke risk in individuals without hypertension and diabetes.
  • PVCs may be a risk marker for stroke, particularly embolic stroke.
  • PVCs might contribute to atrioventricular remodeling, increasing stroke risk.
Abstract

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