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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

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Atrial fibrillation in young stroke patients: do we underestimate its prevalence?

D Prefasi1, P Martínez-Sánchez, A Rodríguez-Sanz

  • 1Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre, La Paz University Hospital, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma of Madrid University, Madrid, Spain.

European Journal of Neurology
|May 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is more common in young ischemic stroke (IS) patients than previously thought. This condition is linked to more severe strokes, highlighting the need for better detection in younger individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Stroke Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an uncommon cause of ischemic stroke (IS) in young patients.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and impact of AF in IS patients under 50 years old.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of AF in IS patients up to 50 years of age.
  • To analyze the relationship between AF, stroke severity, and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of 157 IS patients (≤50 years) over 5 years.
  • Comprehensive cardiac evaluation including ECG, 72-hour monitoring, and echocardiography.
  • Holter monitoring for cryptogenic strokes; analysis of NIHSS and mRS scores.

Main Results:

  • AF was present in 8.9% of young IS patients (14/157).
  • AF was independently associated with moderate-to-severe IS (NIHSS ≥ 8).
  • AF was not an independent prognostic factor for 3-month outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Atrial fibrillation may be more prevalent in young IS patients than previously recognized.
  • AF diagnosis in young IS patients is associated with increased stroke severity.
Abstract

Keywords:
atrial fibrillationcardiomyopathydiagnosisembolic strokestrokestroke in young adults

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