Methods
At the time of entry into the study, patients
underwent a clinical examination and the history
was noted.
The history of ischemic stroke, transient
ischemic attack (TIA), and AF or tachycardia
was noted. The neurological symptoms were
totally TIA or partially regressive (cerebrovascular
accident). Hemorrhagic stroke was excluded by
systematic computed tomography (CT) scan or
cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (RMI). These
patients had no history of AF at the time of stroke.
The surface ECG at the time of ischemic stroke or
TIA and at the time of investigations was in sinus
rhythm. Ischemic stroke or TIA was considered
as “cryptogenic” after a complete evaluation that
ruled out a vascular lesion or an evident cause
for an embolic event. Patients with uncontrolled
hypertensive disease were excluded. All patients
with history of ischemic stroke or TIA were treated
with aspirin.