A New Diagnosis of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in Ischemic Stroke Patients Admitted to Stroke Unit: a Conceptual Replication Study

Authors

  • Tasanee Tantirittisak Neurological Institute of Thailand, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Chaiyuth Kotalux Neurological Institute of Thailand, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Sarunya Khumpror Neurological Institute of Thailand, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
  • Sombat Muengtaweepongsa Center of Excellence in Stroke, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

Keywords:

Atrial fibrillation, Continuous ECG monitoring, Ischemic stroke, Stroke unit

Abstract

Ischemic stroke constitutes a significant morbidity and mortality source, with atrial fibrillation (AF) identified as a leading contributory factor. Particularly, nonvalvular AF presents diagnostic challenges due to its intermittent and often asymptomatic nature. Understanding the prevalence and detection patterns of AF associated with stroke is paramount for efficacious therapeutic interventions. In an observational study conducted at the Neurological Institute of Thailand's stroke unit, 549 acute ischemic stroke patients underwent ECG monitoring. The data revealed a 15.5% incidence of AF, bifurcated into 8.0% previously diagnosed and 7.5% newly diagnosed cases. Of the latter, 41.7% were detected through continuous ECG monitoring, with a detection time spanning from 18 minutes to 17 days during admission, emphasizing a median detection interval of approximately 2.29 days. Given the findings, we advocate for an extended continuous ECG monitoring duration of 2-3 days in specialized stroke units, aligning with previous research and augmenting precision in secondary stroke prevention modalities.

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Published

2023-12-27

How to Cite

Tantirittisak, T. ., Kotalux, C. ., Khumpror, S. ., & Muengtaweepongsa, S. (2023). A New Diagnosis of Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation in Ischemic Stroke Patients Admitted to Stroke Unit: a Conceptual Replication Study. Science & Technology Asia, 28(4), 289–294. Retrieved from https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SciTechAsia/article/view/251008

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Section

Biological sciences