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Clinically unsuspected cardiac disease in patients with cerebral ischaemia
P Gates1, R Peppard, P Kempster
1Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
Insights
Cerebral ischemia patients frequently have undiagnosed heart conditions. A study found that previously unsuspected cardiac disease is common in individuals experiencing cerebral ischemia, highlighting the need for cardiac screening.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral ischemia is a significant health concern.
- Cardiac disorders can contribute to or coexist with cerebral ischemia.
- Early detection of cardiac issues is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of previously unsuspected cardiac disease in patients with cerebral ischemia.
- To determine the types of cardiac conditions commonly found in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month prospective study.
- Involved 232 patients diagnosed with cerebral ischemia.
- Assessed prior history of heart disease and performed cardiac evaluations.
Main Results:
- 43% of patients had a history of heart disease.
- Among those with prior heart disease, 22% had newly detected cardiac disorders (atrial fibrillation, cardiomegaly, left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic heart disease).
- 20% of patients without prior heart disease were found to have cardiac disease.
Conclusions:
- Previously unsuspected or asymptomatic cardiac disease is common in patients with cerebral ischemia.
- Routine cardiac screening may be beneficial for patients presenting with cerebral ischemia.
Abstract:
In a 6 month prospective study of 232 patients with cerebral ischaemia, 100 (43%) had a prior history of heart disease. In 22 of the patients with prior heart disease an unsuspected cardiac disorder was subsequently detected (6 atrial fibrillation, 13 cardiomegaly or left ventricular hypertrophy and 3 ischaemic heart disease). In patients without prior heart disease, 47 (20%) were found to have cardiac disease: 6 atrial fibrillation, 31 cardiomegaly or left ventricular hypertrophy 9 ischaemic heart disease and 1 left bundle branch block. Previously unsuspected or asymptomatic cardiac disease is common in patients with cerebral ischaemia.