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Updated: Jul 12, 2025
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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
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Atrial fibrillation and stroke: State-of-the-art and future directions
Sandra Elsheikh1, Andrew Hill2, Greg Irving3
1Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK; Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St Helens, UK.
Current Problems in Cardiology
|November 1, 2023
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke share risks, with AF-related strokes having worse outcomes. Early AF detection is crucial for prevention and managing stroke in AF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke are leading causes of death and disability.
- AF-related strokes exhibit poorer outcomes and higher mortality than non-AF strokes.
- Shared risk factors and comorbidities link AF and stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate relationship between AF and stroke.
- To discuss current treatment and secondary prevention strategies for stroke in AF patients.
- To highlight ongoing challenges and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and evidence synthesis.
- Discussion of novel AF predictors like arterial calcification.
- Analysis of management strategies for acute and breakthrough strokes in AF.
Main Results:
- AF significantly increases stroke risk and severity.
- Predictive scores for AF are under development but not yet standard.
- Arterial calcification shows promise as an AF predictor.
- Management of acute and breakthrough strokes in AF remains complex.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the AF-stroke link is vital for improving patient outcomes.
- Early AF detection and risk stratification are essential for stroke prevention.
- Further research is needed to refine management and prevention strategies for AF-related stroke.
Keywords:
atrial fibrillation (AF)left atrial appendage occlusionoral anticoagulant (OAC)strokethrombolytic therapyMore Related Videos
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