Interatrial block: a novel risk factor for embolic stroke?
BACKGROUND
Interatrial block (IAB; P wave > or = 110 ms) is highly prevalent and is strongly associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias and left atrial dysfunction, making it a potential embolic risk.


RESULTS
Among 293 neurological admissions over 2 years, 85 patients were diagnosed with embolic strokes and 208 with nonembolic strokes. Patients were then matched for stroke risk factors and evaluated for IAB. Eighty-eight percent of probable embolic stroke patients showed sinus rhythm, demonstrating a 61% IAB prevalence. Only hypertension (P < 0.001; r = 0.3) and IAB (P < 0.006; r = 0.2) were significant and directly correlated.


CONCLUSIONS
IAB could indeed be a novel risk for embolic strokes and further investigation is warranted.
Ariyarajah
Vignendra
V
Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), Veterans' Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA. vignendra@hotmail.com
Puri
Puneet
P
Apiyasawat
Sirin
S
Spodick
David H
DH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000150:complications; D006325:Heart Atria; D006327:Heart Block / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications*; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology*