Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Establishment of Acute Pontine Infarction in Rats by Electrical Stimulation
05:02

Establishment of Acute Pontine Infarction in Rats by Electrical Stimulation

Published on: August 27, 2020

5.4K

Cardioembolic sources in stroke patients in South of Brazil

Luiz Carlos Porcello Marrone1, João Pedro Farina Brunelli1, Ricardo Lutzky Saute1

  • 1Hospital São Lucas, Instituto do Cérebro, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6690, Room 220, 90610-000 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Thrombosis
|October 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, are the primary cause of cardioembolic stroke, a major cause of disability. Identifying these sources is crucial for effective stroke prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Stroke represents a significant global health burden, leading to mortality and disability.
  • Cardioembolism accounts for approximately 30% of ischemic stroke cases.
  • Understanding the specific sources of cardioembolic stroke is vital for targeted prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of different cardioembolic stroke subgroups in patients admitted to Hospital São Lucas-PUCRS.
  • To analyze cardiovascular risk factors and current preventive medication use in these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 256 patients diagnosed with cardioembolic ischemic stroke (TOAST classification).
  • Patients were categorized into six subgroups: arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, septal abnormalities, and intracardiac injuries.
  • Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and medications for systemic embolism prevention was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Arrhythmias were the most frequent cause of cardioembolism (50.7%), followed by valvular heart disease (17.5%) and coronary artery disease (16%).
  • Hypertension (61.7%) and dyslipidemia (43.7%) were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Fewer than 50% of patients with arrhythmias were on oral anticoagulants.

Conclusions:

  • Arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation, are the leading source of cardioembolic stroke.
  • Identifying cardioembolic stroke sources is increasingly important with the advent of new oral anticoagulants.
  • The findings highlight a gap in anticoagulant use among patients with arrhythmias, underscoring the need for improved stroke prevention.

More Related Videos

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia06:01

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

14.3K
The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo06:38

The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo

Published on: December 19, 2025

472

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic 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...
7
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic 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...
5
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic 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.
9
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic 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...
5
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
8
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
4