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Updated: May 7, 2026

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Association Between Age at Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation and Subsequent Risk of Ischemic Stroke

Yun-Jiu Cheng1, Hai Deng1, Hui-Qiang Wei1

  • 1Department of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University Guangzhou China.

Journal of the American Heart Association
|February 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) at a younger age significantly elevates the risk of future ischemic stroke. This study highlights the critical link between early AF diagnosis and increased stroke incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a known risk factor for ischemic stroke.
  • The impact of age at AF diagnosis on subsequent stroke risk is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the age of atrial fibrillation diagnosis and the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke.
  • To quantify the increased stroke risk across different age groups at AF diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from five large prospective cohorts (ARIC, CHS, CARDIA, MESA, Framingham Heart Study).
  • Utilized Cox regression and competing risk survival analyses to assess stroke incidence and hazard ratios.
  • Stratified analysis by age at AF diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Younger age at AF diagnosis was significantly linked to a higher risk of ischemic stroke.
  • Individuals diagnosed with AF at age 55 had a substantially higher hazard ratio for stroke compared to those diagnosed at older ages.
  • Earlier AF diagnosis (e.g., >10 years prior) was associated with a markedly increased stroke risk.

Conclusions:

  • A younger age at the time of atrial fibrillation diagnosis is associated with an elevated risk of experiencing a subsequent ischemic stroke.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering age at diagnosis in stroke risk assessment for AF patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
age at diagnosisatrial fibrillationischemic stroke

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