How to Assess and Manage Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation

In this video first seen on Medscape Cardiology, Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist Paul Friedman, M.D., and neurologist James Klaas, M.D., discuss how to manage stroke risk in atrial fibrillation. For more information on atrial fibrillation or to request an appointment, visit www.mayoclinic....
Risk scoring systems are used to determine which patients have a high enough stroke risk to warrant treatment. The most commonly used scoring system for atrial fibrillation stroke risk is the CHA2DS2VASc score. Approximately 20% of stokes come from the heart, however, there are other etiologies including carotid arteries, vertebral arteries, arterial dissections, and atherosclerosis.
Outline:
• Introduction
• Assessing stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (0:26)
• The CHADS-VASc score of 1 dilemma (2:09)
• Other risk factors for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (6:22) • When not to anticoagulate (8:12)
• Cerebral amyloid angiopathy risk in atrial fibrillation (9:48)
• Nonmedical means of preventing stroke (13:12)
• Conclusion (16:15)