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Summary
Atrial fibrillation is more common in completed stroke patients than in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients. Emboli from atrial fibrillation typically cause longer TIAs or strokes, not brief events.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a known risk factor for stroke.
- The relationship between atrial fibrillation and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with completed strokes versus TIAs.
- To explore the characteristics of TIAs associated with atrial fibrillation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey of 1076 patients with completed strokes and 789 patients with TIAs.
- Analysis of patient data to determine the presence of atrial fibrillation and TIA duration.
Main Results:
- Atrial fibrillation was present in 5.6% of completed stroke patients and 1.6% of TIA patients.
- TIAs associated with atrial fibrillation tended to exceed 60 minutes, unless concurrent carotid disease was present.
Conclusions:
- Emboli from atrial fibrillation are less likely to cause brief TIAs.
- Atrial fibrillation-related emboli more commonly result in prolonged TIAs or completed strokes.