Frequency of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Objective: To detect the frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and
determine the factors associated with a higher risk of developing the disease.
Material and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medicine Department,
Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad after ethical approval from 1st February 2022 to 30th
January 2023. After taking written informed consent, 72 patients presenting in emergency and outpatient
departments with AIS were included by nonprobability convenient sampling. All patients underwent electro-
cardiograms (ECGs) to diagnose AF. The severity of AF was determined by the National Institute of Health
Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The demographic details of patients, duration of disease and co-morbidities such as
hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus were recorded. The data was analyzed using the
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.
Results: The frequency of AF was 20 (27.8%) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Seven (9.7%) patients
had known AF and 13 (18.1%) patients had unknown AF. The mean duration of AF was 11.4 ± 21.8 days. One
(1.4%) patient had acute AF, 5 (6.9%) had paroxysmal AF and 1 (1.4%) had persistent AF. Increased age (>60
years) and higher NIHSS scores were linked with higher chances of developing AF.
Conclusion: A greater proportion of patients (27.8%) with acute ischemic stroke developed atrial fibrillation
in our study. Patients with age >60 years and severe ischemic stroke as indicated by NIHSS score had higher
chances of developing atrial fibrillation.
Keywords: Atrial fibrillation, AF, acute ischemic stroke, AIS