Embolic complications in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Stroke. 1986 Jul-Aug;17(4):622-6. doi: 10.1161/01.str.17.4.622.

Abstract

The incidence of embolic complications among 426 patients with initial paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) was analysed. A distinct clustering of emboli was seen at the time of onset of PAF. After transition to chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF), which developed in 141 patients (33.1%), the incidence of emboli was seen to rise to a new level several times higher than the incidence level for patients with PAF. Also in this group a distinct clustering of emboli was seen during the first year after transition to CAF. On this background it is suggested that patients with PAF may benefit from treatment with anti-arrhythmic agents in order to prevent the development of CAF and that anticoagulants for stroke prevention seems especially desirable in atrial fibrillation (AF) of recent onset.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications*
  • Embolism / etiology*
  • Embolism / mortality
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies