Atrial Fibrillation — Risk Marker for Stroke

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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation not related to valvular heart disease (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation) is associated with nearly half the arterial emboli presumed to be of cardiac origin. It starts at a mean age of 64 years, affects 2 to 5 percent of the general population over the age of 60 (more than 1 million people), and is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke and a 5 to 7 percent yearly risk that increases with age. Cerebral infarction eventually occurs in up to 35 percent of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The risk is even higher if "silent" . . .