Brief Summary: This study aimed to investigate the risk and factors that predict recurrent stroke in patients who initially had a stroke with no clear cause (called cryptogenic stroke) and were later found to have atrial fibrillation (AF), an irregular heart rhythm that can increase stroke risk. The study was conducted at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, over five years from 2018 to 2023. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In many cases, the cause of stroke is unclear, which makes it difficult to prevent it from happening again. Atrial fibrillation is a common hidden cause of such strokes but is often hard to detect because it can occur intermittently without symptoms. Detecting AF early is important because patients with AF benefit greatly from blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants) that reduce the risk of another stroke. In this study, medical records of patients diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke were reviewed. Patients who were later diagnosed with atrial fibrillation within 12 months of their stroke were included. The researchers collected information about their age, gender, heart examinations, how and when AF was diagnosed, use of blood-thinning medicines, and if they had another stroke during follow-up. The study highlights the importance of early and prolonged heart rhythm monitoring in patients with cryptogenic stroke to detect atrial fibrillation. It also stresses the need for better access to and adherence to anticoagulant therapy in resource-limited settings like Pakistan to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and improve patient outcomes.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Incidence of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke
Timeframe: 5 years