Editors' note: Atrial fibrillation detected after stroke is related to a low risk of ischemic stroke recurrence

Abstract

In “Atrial fibrillation detected after stroke is related to a low risk of ischemic stroke recurrence,” Sposato et al. discussed the prevalence of cardiac disease in patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed prior to ischemic stroke, patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed after ischemic stroke, and patients with normal sinus rhythm. Patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed after stroke had a similar prevalence of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease compared to patients in normal sinus rhythm, but were slightly more likely to have congestive heart failure. In response, Dr. Boylan notes that neurogenic cardiac disease, such as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, may be underappreciated, and postulated that some patients may be more susceptible to neurocardiogenic problems. Sposato et al. agree with Dr. Boylan that there can be neurogenic causes for a variety of cardiac problems, but note that, in their study, heart failure was diagnosed before the stroke. In “Atrial fibrillation detected after stroke is related to a low risk of ischemic stroke recurrence,” Sposato et al. discussed the prevalence of cardiac disease in patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed prior to ischemic stroke, patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed after ischemic stroke, and patients with normal sinus rhythm. Patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed after stroke had a similar prevalence of myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease compared to patients in normal sinus rhythm, but were slightly more likely to have congestive heart failure.