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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

[Cerebrovascular accidents and atrial fibrillation in the elderly patient]

P Alcalde Tirado1, J M Ribera Casado

  • 1Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Clínico, San Carlos, Madrid.

Anales De Medicina Interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984)
|August 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 38% of elderly stroke patients, often alongside other risk factors. Preventative treatment for cardiogenic embolism is notably low in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics

Context:

  • Cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant, independent risk factor for stroke, particularly in the elderly.
  • Understanding AF prevalence in stroke patients is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose:

  • To determine the frequency of AF in elderly patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke.
  • To identify clinical risk factors associated with brain embolism in this cohort.
  • To assess the utilization of preventive treatments for cardiogenic embolism.

Summary:

  • A prospective study included 58 elderly patients (≥65 years) diagnosed with ischemic stroke.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) was detected in 38% of these patients (22/58).
  • Of those with AF, 86% had additional risk factors like hypertension or prior stroke; only 4 patients received aspirin, and none received warfarin at admission.

Impact:

  • Highlights a high prevalence of AF in elderly ischemic stroke patients.
  • Underscores the frequent co-occurrence of AF with other cerebrovascular risk factors.
  • Reveals a critical gap in the preventive treatment of cardiogenic embolism in this vulnerable group.
Abstract

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