Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
D-dimer levels and stroke progression in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation
L-H Krarup1, E C Sandset, P M Sandset
1Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, Norway.
Background:
Patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of stroke progression and recurrence. We sought to assess whether D-dimer and other markers of hemostatic activation could predict these adverse events in such patients.
Method:
Blood samples were obtained from patients included in the Heparin in Acute Embolic Stroke Trial. Stroke progression was defined as a ≥3-point worsening on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale during the first 48 h after randomization. Blood samples were analyzed for D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, soluble fibrin monomer, and C-reactive protein.
Results:
A total of 382 patients were included in the analyses. Levels of D-dimer and other markers of hemostatic activation were not significantly higher in patients with stroke progression than in other patients (D-dimer median values: 1025 ng/ml vs 970 ng/ml, P = 0.73). The same was true for recurrent stroke (D-dimer: 720 ng/ml vs 973 ng/ml, P = 0.96), and the combined endpoint of stroke progression, recurrent stroke, and death (D-dimer: 991 ng/ml vs 970 ng/ml, P = 0.91). Multivariable analyses did not alter the results.
Conclusion:
D-dimer and other markers of hemostatic activation were not associated with stroke progression, recurrent stroke, or death in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

