This project aims to assess Atrial Myopathy in stroke patients, so that all patients will get the most effective prevention of recurrent stroke.
What is the issue for NSW?
Ischaemic stroke has many causes, and one in four stroke patients have another stroke within three years. Cardioembolism is the most common cause of stroke and has high recurrence rates.
It is crucial to identify the cause of stroke to tailor secondary prevention, yet 25% of ischemic strokes are of indeterminate cause at the time of assessment, they are often labelled as ‘Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source’ (ESUS); undetected atrial fibrillation and cardioembolism are often assumed causes.
We now recognise that atrial fibrillation is only one manifestation of an underlying atrial myopathy, which precedes development of the arrhythmia, often by years. Furthermore, atrial fibrillation can occur sometime after stroke, meaning we need diagnostic methods other than prolonged monitoring for atrial fibrillation to identify the high recurrence-risk cardioembolic subset within ‘Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source.’
Collaborating Organisations:
Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research
University of New South Wales
Heart Research Institute
South Western Sydney Local Health District
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Western Sydney Local Health District
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute