Cardioembolic Sources in Stroke Patients in South of Brazil. (1st October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Porcello Marrone, Luiz Carlos; Farina Brunelli, João Pedro; Lutzky Saute, Ricardo; Henrique Tomasi, Gustavo; Cecchele Madeira, Bianca; Alves Martins, William; Dupont Rohr, Robson; Heck, Ana Paula; Botton, Luiz Ricardo; Martins de Castro, Marilia; Bodanese, Rodrigo; Bodanese, Luiz Carlos; Huf Marrone, Antônio Carlos; Costa da Costa, Jaderson
• Other Names: Kickler Thomas Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Thrombosis. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-10-01
• Subjects: Thrombosis -- Periodicals; Thrombosis; Thrombosis; Electronic journals; Periodical; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.135
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/753780
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1488

Abstract

Abstract : Background. Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability in Brazil and around the world. Cardioembolism is responsible for nearly 30% of the origins of ischemic stroke. Methods. We analyzed data of 256 patients with cardioembolic ischemic stroke (according to TOAST classification) who were admitted into the Hospital São Lucas-PUCRS from October 2011 to January 2014. The cardioembolic subtype was divided into six subgroups: arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, septal abnormalities, and intracardiac injuries. The prevalence of the most important cardiovascular risk factors and medications in use for prevention of systemic embolism by the time of hospital admission was analyzed in each patient. Results. Among 256 patients aged 60.2 +/− 6.9 years, 132 males, arrhythmias were the most common cause of cardioembolism corresponding to 50.7%, followed by valvular heart disease (17.5%) and coronary artery disease (16%). Hypertension (61.7%) and dyslipidemia (43.7%) were the most common risk factors. Less than 50% of patients with arrhythmias were using oral anticoagulants. Conclusions. Identifying the prevalence of cardioembolic stroke sources subgroups has become an increasingly important role since the introduction of new oral anticoagulants. In this study, arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation) were the main cause of cardioembolism.