StopAfib.org Participated in AHA Conference to Make Cryptogenic Strokes a National Health Priority

April 26, 2016

  • Summary: AHA Patient Guide to Understanding Strokes of Unknown Cause and AHA Cryptogenic Stroke Public Health Conference Report are now available to help patients and healthcare providers to prevent strokes
  • Reading time: 1–2 minutes

In 25–30 per cent of all strokes — about 200,000 in the US each year — the cause cannot be pinpointed. In many cases, these strokes of unknown origin, called cryptogenic strokes, are due to atrial fibrillation (afib or AF).

Afib increases stroke risk by five times and, when undetected, can be a cause of cryptogenic stroke. Other cryptogenic stroke causes include Patent Foreman Ovale (PFO), inherited thrombophilias, and aortic arch plaque.

Last fall, StopAfib.org participated in a conference convened by the American Heart Association to make cryptogenic strokes a national health priority, and we participated in the development of calls to action about strokes.

Research presented at the conference showed that many healthcare professionals are uninformed about cryptogenic strokes and some do not know how to prevent additional strokes.

Outcomes of this AHA conference included the release of two important documents:

In order to increase awareness and improve patient outcomes, attendees at the conference are sharing these resources to help healthcare professionals and consumers be more informed. We hope that you will take time to look over them and to be aware of what you can do to prevent strokes.