B2AD-Risk AFDAS Evolution of Burden of AF

What this study is about

Each year, 7.8 million people worldwide experience an ischemic stroke, often caused by atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a major contributor to severe, disabling, and deadly strokes. About 20% to 30% of ischemic stroke patients have AF before their stroke. Of the remaining 70% to 80% without known arrhythmias, up to 24% are newly diagnosed with AF after intensive cardiac monitoring, totaling 1.3 to 1.5 million new AF cases detected after stroke globally each year. Oral anticoagulants (OACs) can reduce stroke risk related to AF by 64% and lead to milder strokes with lower disability and mortality. Neurologists use cardiac monitoring to detect AF in stroke patients. This study focuses on patients who have had an ischemic stroke and are newly diagnosed with AF. The goal is to understand how AF progresses over time. The investigators will track changes in AF severity and frequency, monitor biomarkers related to heart health, assess the size and function of the left atrium, and observe new risk factors like hypertension. Patients will be grouped based on their AF diagnosis method: ECG, a portable device recording heart activity for less than 7 days, or one recording for 7 to 30 days. The investigators hypothesize that AF burden will increase, new risk factors will emerge, biomarkers will rise, and the left atrium will worsen over time. Participants will be followed for up to 24 months with regular assessments. The study aims to provide insights into AF progression in stroke patients, potentially improving treatments and prevention strategies.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Adult patients with cortical or subcortical, cryptogenic or non-cryptogenic acute ischemic stroke
• Any of the following types of AF:
• Paroxysmal AF known before stroke onset (KAF).
• Paroxysmal AF found on an admission or Emergency Department ECG (ECG-AFDAS)
• Paroxysmal AF found on 14-day Holter monitoring (PCM-AFDAS)

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Patients not willing to consent
• Permanent or persistent AF
• Allergy to iodinated contrast agents

Where this trial is running

• Heart and Brain Lab, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Diana Ayan, Pharm MSc · 519-685-8500 · diana.ayan@lhsc.on.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06589700.