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Ischemic stroke and the emerging role of left atrial function
Bjørn Strøier Larsen1,2, Tor Biering-Sørensen2,3, Flemming Javier Olsen1,2,3
1Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|June 29, 2024
Summary
Left atrial (LA) dysfunction is linked to ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF). Managing cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension is crucial for preventing AF and stroke.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a major global health concern.
- Left atrial (LA) dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a factor in stroke pathophysiology.
- LA dysfunction may serve as both a contributor to and a predictor of ischemic stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between LA function, atrial fibrillation (AF), and ischemic stroke.
- To explore mechanisms linking impaired LA function to stroke.
- To discuss LA function as a prognostic marker for stroke.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Discussion of imaging techniques for LA function assessment.
- Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Impaired LA function is implicated in ischemic stroke development.
- LA dysfunction has potential as a prognostic biomarker for stroke.
- Current evidence-based treatments for LA dysfunction in stroke prevention are lacking.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to clarify the clinical implications of LA dysfunction, especially in patients without AF.
- Addressing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, obesity) is essential for preventing AF and stroke.
- Targeting primary modifiable factors is key to reducing stroke-related morbidity and mortality.
Keywords:
Atrial cardiomyopathyatrial fibrillationatrial functioncryptogenic strokeembolic strokeischemic strokeMore Related Videos
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