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Risk factors for stroke and use of echocardiography in diagnosis: a review
Abstract
Background: Stroke is a prevalent disease in many communities. Cardiologists consultation and cardiac investigations are frequently requested to rule out cardiac source of embolic manifestations. The heart has been reported to account for 20% of ischaemic strokes in the Western community.
Objective: To review risk factors for stroke and the use of echocardiography in its diagnosis.
Methods: Medline review was done for reported causes of stroke, these causes were divided into major and minor and were discussed briefly as general physician need to determine when and what to ask for.
Results: Some cardiac sources do have established roles in strokes but others have circumstantial and/or secondary roles.
Conclusion: While there exists evidence to recommend echocardiogram in stroke patients with heart disease, it is routinely needed in all patients with stroke. In some circumstances, echocardiography may enhance the diagnosis but not necessarily change management.
(E Afr Med J:2003 80(4): 200-203)
Objective: To review risk factors for stroke and the use of echocardiography in its diagnosis.
Methods: Medline review was done for reported causes of stroke, these causes were divided into major and minor and were discussed briefly as general physician need to determine when and what to ask for.
Results: Some cardiac sources do have established roles in strokes but others have circumstantial and/or secondary roles.
Conclusion: While there exists evidence to recommend echocardiogram in stroke patients with heart disease, it is routinely needed in all patients with stroke. In some circumstances, echocardiography may enhance the diagnosis but not necessarily change management.
(E Afr Med J:2003 80(4): 200-203)
