Scripta Medica (Jan 2018)
Relationship between atrial fibrillation as a risk factor and the outcome of ischemic stroke
Abstract
Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by uncoordinated atrial activity with consequent deterioration of mechanical function. Patients have 5 times more risk for stroke. These stokes are more severe, more disabling and have a more frequent fatal outcome. Aim of the Study: The aim was to examine the relationship between atrial fibrillation as risk factor and ischemic stroke. Patients and Methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted at the Clinic of Neurology, UCC of the Republic of Srpska during the period from January to March 2017. The study included 138 patients who survived ischemic stroke, and atrial fibrillation was identified as a risk factor. Severity of stroke was assessed on admission and discharge with NIHS Scale, and level of disability with Rankin scale. Data was collected and analyzed in software programs IBM SPSS Statistics 21. Results: The sample consisted of 138 patients with ischemic stroke, divided into two groups, with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation, and without atrial fibrillation. There were 55.1% male, and 44.9% female patients. Atrial fibrillation was more common in female patients (46.8%) than in male patients (30.3%), and there was a significant relationship between gender and atrial fibrillation (χ2(1, N = 138) = 3.29, p = 0.07). It was most common in the oldest age group. There was no significant relationship between fatal outcome and atrial fibrillation, gender and age. Conclusion: Recovery of stoke patients with this comorbidity is much more difficult and slower compared to patients without atrial fibrillation. Early detection and use of oral anticoagulant therapy can significantly decrease stroke risks, and also ease the consequences when stroke already happened.
