Interatrial Block: A Novel Risk Factor for Embolic Stroke?

  1. Vignendra Ariyarajah M.D.1,2,
  2. Puneet Puri M.D.3,
  3. Sirin Apiyasawat M.D.4,
  4. David H. Spodick M.D., D.Sc.4,5

Article first published online: 2 FEB 2007

DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-474X.2007.00133.x

Issue

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology

Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology

Volume 12, Issue 1, pages 15–20, January 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Ariyarajah, V., Puri, P., Apiyasawat, S. and Spodick, D. H. (2007), Interatrial Block: A Novel Risk Factor for Embolic Stroke?. Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology, 12: 15–20. doi: 10.1111/j.1542-474X.2007.00133.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC), Veterans' Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA

  2. 2

    Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

  3. 3

    Department of Medicine

  4. 4

    Division of Cardiology, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA

  5. 5

    Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA

*Address for reprints: Vignendra Ariyarajah, M.D., Preventive Cardiology, MAVERIC, VA Boston Healthcare System (MAV 151), 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130. Fax: (857)-364-4424; E-mail: vignendra@hotmail.com

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 2 FEB 2007
  2. Article first published online: 2 FEB 2007

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Keywords:

  • interatrial block;
  • left atrial dysfunction;
  • atrial fibrillation;
  • embolic stroke;
  • risk

Background: Interatrial block (IAB; P wave ≥110 ms) is highly prevalent and is strongly associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias and left atrial dysfunction, making it a potential embolic risk.

Methods and Results: Among 293 neurological admissions over 2 years, 85 patients were diagnosed with embolic strokes and 208 with nonembolic strokes. Patients were then matched for stroke risk factors and evaluated for IAB. Eighty-eight percent of probable embolic stroke patients showed sinus rhythm, demonstrating a 61% IAB prevalence. Only hypertension (P < 0.001; r = 0.3) and IAB (P < 0.006; r = 0.2) were significant and directly correlated.

Conclusion: IAB could indeed be a novel risk for embolic strokes and further investigation is warranted.

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