Interatrial block in prediction of all-cause mortality after first-ever ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Interatrial block (IAB) is an ECG indicator of atrial fibrosis related to atrial remodeling and thrombus formation thus leading to embolic stroke and increasing mortality. We aimed to assess weather IAB predicted all-cause mortality during 10 years after ischemic stroke. METHODS: The study sample comprised 235 patients (median age 74 (interquartile range 25-75% 65-81) years, 95 female) included in the Lund Stroke Register in 2001-2002, who had sinus rhythm ECGs at stroke admission. IAB was defined as a P-wave duration ≥120 ms without = partial IAB (n = 56) or with = advanced IAB (n = 41) biphasic morphology (±) in the inferior ECG leads. All-cause mortality was assessed via linkage with the Swedish Causes of Death Register. RESULTS: During follow-up 126 patients died (54%). Advanced IAB, but not partial, was associated with all-cause mortality in univariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio (HR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.27-3.09, p = 0.003). After adjustment for age, gender, severity of stroke measured by NIHSS scale and smoking status in patients without additional comorbidities advanced IAB independently predicted all-cause mortality (HR 7.89, 95% CI 2.01-30.98, p = 0.003), while in patients with comorbidities it did not (HR 1.01 95% CI 0.59-1.72, p = 0.966). CONCLUSION: Advanced IAB predicted all-cause mortality after ischemic stroke, but mostly in patients without additional cardiovascular comorbidities.

Documentation of atrial fibrillation prior to first-ever ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) prior to first-ever ischemic stroke by examining a comprehensive electronic ECG archive. METHODS: The study sample comprised 336 consecutive stroke patients (median age 76 (IQ16) y, 200 men) enrolled in Lund Stroke Register from March 2001 to February 2002 and 336 age- and gender-matched controls without stroke history. AF prior to admission was studied using the regional electronic ECG database and record linkage with the National Swedish Hospital Discharge Register (SHDR). Medical records were reviewed for AF documentation and CHA2 DS2-VASc risk score. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation before or at stroke onset was detected in 109 (32.4%) stroke patients and 44 (13.1%) controls, P<0.001. Twenty-five of 109 stroke patients had AF detected only on previous ECG (n=14) or through the SHDR (n=11). The most prevalent type of AF in stroke group was non-permanent AF (59.6%). AF prevalence among patients admitted with sinus rhythm at hospital admission (n=266) was higher in those with CHA2 DS2 -VASc score≥6 (28.6%) than with CHA2 DS2-VASc score<6 (13.0%), P=0.043. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive approach for AF screening allows detecting AF in one-third of patients admitted with first-ever ischemic stroke. Patients with high cardiovascular risk are more likely to have non-permanent AF.