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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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Atrial fibrillation and stroke: A review and new insights

Irene Escudero-Martínez1, Lluis Morales-Caba1, Tomás Segura2

  • 1Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe - Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
|December 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The heart is a major source of emboli, causing 20-25% of ischemic strokes. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the primary cause, increasing stroke risk significantly and posing a growing public health challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology and Neurology
  • Public Health Epidemiology

Background:

  • The heart-brain connection is crucial, with cardiac sources accounting for 20-25% of ischemic strokes.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cause of cardioembolic stroke, affecting millions globally.
  • AF significantly elevates ischemic stroke risk (3-5 times), contributing to 15% of all strokes worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical link between atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke.
  • To emphasize the need for enhanced understanding and stroke prevention strategies for AF patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and data synthesis on cardioembolic stroke and atrial fibrillation prevalence.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data regarding stroke incidence and AF impact.

Main Results:

  • Atrial fibrillation is identified as the leading cause of cardioembolic stroke.
  • AF prevalence is substantial and projected to increase, presenting a significant public health concern.
  • Established link between AF and a 3-5 fold increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Conclusions:

  • A deeper understanding of the heart-brain axis in stroke is essential.
  • Intensified stroke prevention measures for atrial fibrillation are urgently required.
  • The rising incidence and prevalence of AF necessitate proactive public health interventions.

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationIschemic strokePrevention

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