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Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism - Overview

Alternative Names

Stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation; Cardioembolic stroke

Definition of Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism:

Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism is a loss of brain function caused by blood clots that develop in the heart and travel to the brain.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. Strokes secondary to cardiogenic embolism are caused by moving blood clots (emboli) that develop in the heart. These clots travel through the bloodstream and become stuck in small arteries in the brain.

This type of stroke typically occurs suddenly, with immediate and severe loss of brain functions. It is not associated with type of activity, and can occur at any time.

Heart arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation) are commonly seen with this disorder, and are often the cause of the embolus. A heart muscle that is not beating strongly or regularly may result in blood remaining in the heart area, causing a clot to form. The clot can break off and travel to the brain.

Risks for stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism include:

History of heart valve replacement
Arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation)
Infective endocarditis
Heart attack
Mitral valve prolapse
Other heart valve disorders
Ischemic cardiomyopathy
Blood clots anywhere in the body

Central nervous system

Stroke

Reviewed last on: 2/20/2007
Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (August 2006)

References

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation. 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.

Thom T, Haase N, Rosamond W, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics--2006 update: a report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2006 Feb 14;113(6):e85-151. Epub 2006 Jan 11.

Ferro JM. Cardioembolic stroke: an update. Lancet Neurol. 2003 Mar;2(3):177-88.

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