Burden of Premature Atrial Complexes and Risk of Recurrent Stroke and Death in Patients with Mild to Moderate Ischemic Stroke

Premature atrial complexes (PACs) meet increased attention as a potential intermediary between sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients with even high numbers of PACs do not fulfill current guidelines for oral anticoagulation treatment though an associated stroke risk is suspected. Objective: We aimed to determine whether a high number of PACs or runs of AF less than 30 seconds in 2-day continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) recording was associated with risk of recurrent ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) or death in a large cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA and no prior AF.

Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - December 11, 2019 Category: Neurology Authors: Michala Herskind Sejr, Ole May, Dorte Damgaard, Niels Henrik Bruun, Jens Cosedis Nielsen Source Type: research