Atrial fibrillation and stroke: the view from neurology.
In summary NVAF is an important risk factor for stroke identifying a population at a six fold increased stroke risk. When stroke occurs it tends to be large and without a preceding TIA. These patients commonly have other cardiovascular disorders that must be considered as a potential cause of brain ischemia. The appropriate management of these patients to prevent cardioembolic stroke is unknown and must be individualized pending appropriate clinical trials. Following a cardioembolic stroke anticoagulation should be considered only in patients with small or moderate sized infarcts who have no evidence of hemorrhagic infarction on a CT scan and delayed until 36-48 hours post stroke onset.
Sherman
D G
DG
Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Texas Health ScienceCenter, San Antonio.
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control
D000925:Anticoagulants