Atrial fibrillation and risk for ischemic stroke

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the frequency of atrial fibrillation in patients who develope acute ischemic stroke, associated risk factors and their outcome. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the University Clinic of Neurology Clinic, Department for Urgent Neurology.We analyzed medical records of acute ischemic stroke patients hospitalized between April 2014 and April 2016. Statistical analysis was performed with the programme Statistica for Windows 12. Results: Of the 1102 patients in the study,219 (19.8%) had atrial fibrillation. Of them, 109 (49,8%) were males and 110 (50,2%) were females. The mean age of those patients was 65±14 years compared to 60±16 years for the rest. Patients with AF had higher modified Rankin Scale(mRS) score on admission and at discharge from the hospital and had lethal outcome in higher percentage, compared to the rest (p<0.05). Conclusion: AF significantly increases the risk of stroke and affects its prognosis and outcome.