Reduced left atrial strain can predict stroke in atrial fibrillation – A meta-analysis

• Authors: Sonali Sachdeva, Boston University School of Medicine; Rupak Desai, Atlanta VA Medical Center; Kartik Andi, Osmania Medical College; Ankit Vyas, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas; Smit Deliwala, Hurley Medical Center; Rajesh Sachdeva, Atlanta VA Medical Center; Gautam Kumar, Emory University
• Journal Title: IJC Heart and Vasculature
• Volume: Volume 36
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2021-10-01, Pages 100859-100859
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100859
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

To the Editor, Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with a worldwide prevalence of over 46 million cases [1]. There has been over a 30% increase in its prevalence in the last 20 years [2]. AF can cause sequelae such as cardiac failure, emboli, etc., which consequently cause a significant clinical burden. The risk of ischemic stroke in AF is increased five-fold as compared to the general population. About 25–30% of strokes can be attributed to cerebral emboli which are caused by AF [3]. About 1/3rd of cases of AF are asymptomatic and are commonly undetected clinically [3], [4]. Hence, it could be significantly underestimated as a causing factor of ischemic stroke. In the USA, about 795,000 people experience a stroke each year. Stroke has a significant impact on quality of life, morbidity, and morbidity in the US with 1 in 19 deaths attributed to it [4].