Low prevalence of atrial fibrillation in ischaemic stroke: Underestimating a modifiable risk factor.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Cerebrovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. In South Africa, it was the fourth leading cause of death in 2016, responsible for 5.1% of all deaths - the leading cause of death in individuals 65 years and older. Atrial fibrillation accounts for 15% of all strokes and 25% are diagnosed when patients present with a stroke. We set out to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with confirmed ischaemic strokes in a district level hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted at Mitchells Plain Hospital in Cape Town and data was collected over a one-year period. Patients diagnosed with a stroke were identified from an electronic patient register and relevan

SUBMITTER: Mayet M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7786038 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature