Clinical profile of patient with cardioembolic stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a significant global cause of both mortality and morbidity. Cardioembolic stroke comprises 15-
30% of all cases of ischemic stroke. Limited clinical studies have been conducted on cardioembolic stroke, particularly in
the context of India. The objective of our study was to analyze the demographic, risk factor, and clinical characteristics of
patients with cardioembolic stroke in Central India. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Inpatient Department of teaching hospital in Central India collecting necessary information and data from all cases diagnosed as cardioembolic stroke.
Results: 325 patients were diagnosed to have acute Ischemic stroke. Of the 38 patients (11.6%) diagnosed with cardioembolic stroke, 17 (46%) were females. Mean age was 53.5±12.2 years. Occurrence of cardioembolic stroke was seen to be higher (71% vs 28.9%, p value<0.0001) in patients of older age group (46 years or more). A significant proportion of patients of the older age group (37%) had hypertension (p value=0.0048). Coronary artery disease (CAD) was the most prevalent cardiac disorder, observed in 21 patients (55.2%), valvular heart disease in 11 patients (28.9%) and atrial fibrillation in 7 patients (18.4%). Limb weakness (84.2%) and Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) territory (73.6%) infarct were observed in majority of the patients.
Conclusions: Prevalence of cardioembolic stroke in this region is lower than reported worldwide. While male predominance of cardioembolic stroke was noted, old age and hypertension were the major vascular risk factors identified. CAD was the major source of cardioembolism.