Posted on 04/04/2022 4:45:20 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Nearly one-third of patients with a stroke of unknown cause have a heart rhythm disorder that can be treated to prevent another stroke.
"More than 90% of stroke patients found to have atrial fibrillation had no symptoms of heart rhythm disorder," said Dr. Barbara Ratajczak-Tretel.
Most strokes are ischaemic, meaning a blockage stops blood flow to the brain. In one in four ischaemic strokes the cause is undetermined. "The best therapy to prevent another stroke depends on the underlying cause," said Dr. Ratajczak-Tretel. "Those with atrial fibrillation should receive oral anticoagulants but a definitive diagnosis is needed before drugs can be prescribed. Atrial fibrillation can be transient and asymptomatic making it difficult to detect."
The study examined the ability of continuous heart rhythm monitoring for one year with an implanted device in patients with an ischaemic stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack; TIA) of unknown aetiology.
During the 12-month monitoring period, 74 patients (29%) were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, of whom 93% were asymptomatic. Oral anticoagulation was recommended for all patients with atrial fibrillation and at 12 months, 72 of 74 patients (97%) were on this therapy.
In the course of follow-up, two strokes occurred in the atrial fibrillation group (both before the first atrial fibrillation episode was detected and anticoagulation initiated) and nine in patients without atrial fibrillation, however the difference was not statistically significant.
Dr. Ratajczak-Tretel said: "In this study, we found that an implantable cardiac monitor was effective for diagnosing underlying atrial fibrillation, which was identified in 29% of patients with a stroke or TIA of indeterminate cause. As the probable cause of the stroke or TIA was detected, these patients were able to start oral anticoagulation. Atrial fibrillation was asymptomatic in most cases and may not have been detected or treated without continuous monitoring."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Rarely seem to see mention of presence of a PFO in the heart as a contributor. The heart guy that put the Amplazter plug in my PFO said it was a major contributor to stroke.
How long ago was your procedure?
Have a friend who had same.
Thanks.
BKMK
I had A bout Of atrial fibrillation in June 2019, they put me on a heart monitor for for a month and blood thinners, and everything was fine. So I went off the blood thinners but I ended up having an ischemic stroke last September. Knocked out my left side, But I have substantially recovered from that but still have deficits.
So now I am on blood thinners indefinitely, Eliquis, and they also put me on 80 mg of Lipitor. I have always been against statins and blood thinners but the stroke scared me into obeying my doctors. So far no apparent side effects from the thinners and statin.
I was a heavy drinker before the stroke and they told me to stop Since it probably significantly contributed to the stroke via higher blood pressure etc. I have stopped out of fear of paralysis but I sure do miss it, oh well…..
Atrial fibrillation can be “transient and asymptomatic making it difficult to detect.”
That described me about a decade ago.
That described me about a decade ago.
During my yearly physical, our FP heard something for awhile with his stethoscope, and had his RN, my wife repeat the procedure. I saw the worried look on her and his face. (She had been an RN in a Cardiac ICU and her ears picked up things often missed by docs.)
So they called the cardiology docs in the next building, and I was quickly ushered in for their special EKG, TTE, the “Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This imaging test gives your doctor a picture of your heart. The doctor uses a device called an ultrasound transducer to give off and read sound waves that bounce off the walls and valves in your heart. A computer uses the data to create a video of your heart. Your doctor can see the size of your heart, how well it’s working, how well your heart valves are working, and if you have any blood clots.
It showed AFIB. They Rxed some Tenormin, baby aspirin in the morning and before bedtime, and I was good for about another 7 years ago.
Now, I am on Eliquis bid and still a baby aspirin in the morning and at bedtime. A stent was installed about 3 years ago.
I had a stroke a year ago in my central brain.I did not have a blood clot my vein burst .I did not have the face sagging but throat,arm and leg were affected.Doc told me another year for full mobility but should have no more strokes.
About 13-14 years ago. Had a diving incident and follow up MRI showed some damage to the brain like a stroke. This indicated reason to plug the large (they thought) PFO.
Try bumping up natural blood thinners such as cayenne, garlic, curry, tumeric, ginger,...
The top 10
https://naturalbloodthinners.org/herbal-blood-thinners-list/
Friend had similar....about 15 yrs ago. Was one of the first that they entered through the leg vein, versus cracking the chest, to perform the procedure.
What they did with me.
Woke up to see the image of the thing on a monitor above me.
Pisses me off it does not trigger metal detectors, would be fun. But, the SS rods in my back do not either, oh well.
Pray that you don’t have any more strokes.
Pray that you don’t have any more strokes.
(((Hugs)))
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