How much does elective cardioversion increase the risk of ischaemic stroke compared to the baseline risk in atrial fibrillation? A nationwide study.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardioversion (CV) are exposed to increased risk of ischaemic stroke (IS), but the exact magnitude is unknown. We compared IS rates during the post-CV period with the long-term risk in AF patients using guideline-recommended anticoagulation therapy.

Methods and results

This nationwide register-based study included all AF patients undergoing first-ever elective CV between 2012 and 2018 in Finland. Breakpoint analysis identified a cut-off point in the IS rate at 2 weeks after CV. Follow-up was split into two intervals: the immediate 2-week post-CV period and the subsequent period up to 360 days. Stroke rates were calculated, and incidence rate ratios were estimated with Poisson regression. Interactions between the two foll

SUBMITTER: Itainen-Stromberg S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12677906 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature