Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
23:33
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
[Non-valvular atrial fibrillation and cerebral infarction]
1Sección de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de San Juan, Alicante.
Revista De Neurologia
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Oral anticoagulation effectively prevents cerebral embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. Aspirin is safer but less effective, suitable for specific patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) significantly increases stroke risk, particularly in the elderly.
- Cerebral embolism (CE) is a major complication of NVAF, leading to cerebral infarction.
- Risk stratification for CE in NVAF is complex, influenced by fibrillation type and comorbidities.
Purpose:
- To review the efficacy of primary and secondary prophylaxis of CE in NVAF patients.
- To compare oral anticoagulation and aspirin for CE prevention.
- To identify factors for high-risk NVAF subgroups regarding CE and bleeding complications.
Summary:
- Clinical trials demonstrate oral anticoagulation is efficient and safe for both primary and secondary CE prophylaxis in NVAF.
- Aspirin is safe and cost-effective but less efficient; it's recommended for patients with contraindications or poor adherence to anticoagulation.
- Further research is needed to pinpoint patient subgroups at high risk for CE and hemorrhagic complications to optimize treatment.
Impact:
- Provides evidence-based recommendations for CE prophylaxis in NVAF.
- Highlights the need for personalized treatment strategies based on individual risk profiles.
- Informs clinical decision-making for managing NVAF patients to reduce stroke incidence.
Related Concept Videos
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...