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Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation; Cardioembolic stroke

Prevention:

Atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias should be treated to prevent clot formation. TIA ( transient ischemic attack ) should be treated.

Aspirin therapy (81mg a day or 100mg every other day) is now recommended for stroke prevention in women under 65 as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. It should be considered for women over age 65 only if their blood pressure is controlled and the benefit is greater than the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and brain hemorrhage .

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.

• Review Date: 2/20/2007
• Reviewed By: 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)

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