Prehospital continuous ECG is valuable for very early detection of atrial fibrillation in patients with acute stroke

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for recurrent stroke and death in ischemic stroke patients.1,2 Due to its elusive nature AF often goes undetected.3 The use of continuous ECG (cECG) improves detection rates.4,5 Early detection, and therefore timely initiation of oral anticoagulant treatment may improve the prognosis after stroke.6 –8 In acute ischemic stroke patients guidelines recommend an admission in-hospital 12-lead ECG followed by at least 24 or 72 hours of continuous monitoring (American and European guidelines respectively).
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research