Short-duration atrial fibrillation in ischemic stroke: high risk despite subclinical burden-a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT: Atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes ≥ 30 s are currently considered clinically relevant in stroke diagnostics. However, shorter AF episodes may signal a significant embolic risk, especially in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). This study investigates the prevalence, risk profile, and stroke severity associated with short-duration AF (SDAF < 30 s) across ischemic stroke subtypes. We prospectively enrolled 714 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or Transient ischemic attacks who underwent ≥ 48-hour ECG monitoring. AF episodes were classified as 0–14 s, 15–29 s, or ≥ 30 s. Stroke subtypes were defined using TOAST and ESUS criteria. Risk profiles, NIH Stroke Scale scores, and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores were analyzed by AF duration. AF of any duration was detected in 53.8

SUBMITTER: Boettger P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12369059 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature