Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
28:13
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Atrial fibrillation in patients with ischemic stroke: A population-based study
Sandra Kruchov Thygesen1, Lars Frost, Kim A Eagle
1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark;
Clinical Epidemiology
|September 25, 2010
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to worse outcomes in first-time ischemic stroke patients, increasing risks of complications and mortality. This risk is especially high for AF patients ineligible for oral anticoagulant treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- The prognostic impact of AF in stroke patients requires further clarification.
- This study investigates AF's effect on stroke patient characteristics, care quality, and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient characteristics, in-hospital care quality, and outcomes between first-time ischemic stroke patients with and without atrial fibrillation.
- To assess the prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation on stroke severity, comorbidities, and length of hospital stay.
- To evaluate the association of atrial fibrillation with in-hospital complications, recurrent stroke, and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Population-based follow-up study utilizing linked public medical databases in Denmark.
- Inclusion of 3,849 first-time ischemic stroke patients admitted between 2003-2007.
- Prospective registration in the Danish National Indicator Project.
Main Results:
- Atrial fibrillation patients exhibited an adverse prognostic profile but not poorer in-hospital care quality.
- AF patients had longer hospital stays (median 15 vs 9 days) and increased risk of complications (aRR 1.48) and recurrent stroke (aHR 1.30).
- AF was associated with higher 30-day (aHR 1.55) and one-year mortality (aHR 1.55); risk of recurrent stroke was higher in those ineligible for anticoagulation (aHR 1.92).
Conclusions:
- Atrial fibrillation is associated with poor outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.
- The prognostic impact is particularly severe for AF patients ineligible for oral anticoagulant treatment.
- These findings highlight the importance of managing AF in stroke patients, especially those with contraindications to anticoagulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
01:17Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart's blood supply dwindles, causing an ominous lack of oxygen and nutrients. This deficiency, stemming from reduced or obstructed blood flow, spells danger, leading to heart muscle damage and dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...