EP on EP Episode 65 - Atrial Fibrosis and Stroke Risk-EP on EP Episode 65

EP on EP Episode 65_ Atrial Fibrosis and Stroke Risk

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Nazem Akoum, Director of the AFib program at the University of Washington, discusses his research on atrial fibrosis and its role in predicting stroke risk. He criticizes the CHADS-VASc scoring system for its poor ability to predict strokes in AFib patients and proposes that atrial fibrosis may be a better indicator. His research shows that patients with AFib and a history of stroke have a higher fibrosis burden compared to those without stroke. Additionally, patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) have a higher incidence of recurrent stroke and newly diagnosed AFib if they have advanced atrial fibrosis. Further study is needed to determine the potential benefits of anticoagulation in these patients.

Keywords

atrial fibrosis

stroke risk

CHADS-VASc scoring system

AFib patients

fibrosis burden