Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Aug 2015
Potential Augmentation of the Risk of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potent risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular accident (ICVA). Inflammation is a potential pathogenic factor for atherosclerosis and ICVA. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased inflammatory markers. Subjects who frequently experience COPD and AF together may have higher risk of ICVA. The objective of the study is to compare the prevalence of ICVA in patients with atrial fibrillation and COPD together versus atrial fibrillation alone. ⋯ COPD may increase the risk of ischemic stroke in subjects with AF. Presence of COPD may increase the risk of ischemic stroke in subjects with AF.