Article on Risk Factors for Stroke

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http://www.accnj.com/EdArt/11-2004.htm

Part of article:

Anti-coagulation for AF

" Coumadin is the mainstay of treatment for AF with risk factors for

stroke. The more risk factors patients have, the more likely they will

have an embolic event, " Dr. Kramer said. Those risk factors,

represented by the mnemonic CHADS, are:

• Congestive Heart Failure

• Hypertension

• Age greater than 65

• Diabetes

• Stroke or prior embolic events (a factor worth two points)

Echo findings that indicate increased risk are:

• Enlarged left atrium

• Left ventricular systolic dysfunction

• Left atrial smoke