Incidence of Stroke in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Amanda E Bilski1, Jonathan Kochav2, Greer Waldrop3

  • 1Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, New York, New York, USA; New York University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, New York, New York, USA.

JACC. Advances
|June 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) face a higher risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). This meta-analysis found a pooled incidence rate of 0.58 per 100 person-years for stroke and TIA in the ACHD population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a known risk factor for cerebrovascular events.
  • Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) represent a growing population with unique health concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence rate of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD).
  • To synthesize existing evidence on cerebrovascular event incidence within the ACHD population.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Studies reporting stroke or TIA incidence in individuals aged 16 years and older with ACHD were included.
  • Random-effects meta-analysis estimated the pooled incidence rate, with risk of bias assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-seven studies comprising 39 incidence rate estimates were included in the meta-analysis.
  • The pooled incidence rate for stroke and TIA in ACHD was 0.58 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.39-0.86).
  • The incidence rate for ischemic stroke was estimated at 0.59 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.36-0.95).

Conclusions:

  • This meta-analysis quantifies the incidence of stroke and TIA in the ACHD population.
  • Further high-quality research is essential to identify high-risk ACHD patients and develop primary stroke prevention strategies.
Abstract

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