Relationship between Arterial Stiffness and CHA2DS2-VASc Score in AF-related Stroke Patients

Abstract

Objective: Arterial stiffness (AS) is related with both AF and stroke. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between AS and CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with AF-related stroke.
 Materials and Methods: Thirty stroke patients with non-valvular paroxysmal AF participated in this study. Calculations of the patients' CHA2DS2-VASc scores were made. The Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) measured with the SphygmoCor system was used as an indicator of arterial stiffness. It was determined whether or not there was a statistical connection between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and arterial stiffness.
 Results: Depending on their CHA2DS2-VASc values before to their stroke, the patients were divided into groups (group 1: score=0-1, group 2=score≥2.) The two groups' characteristics were comparable, with the exception of age and systolic blood pressure. Patients with high CHA2DS2-VASc scores ( group 2) demonstrated significantly greater CF-PWV values than those with low scores (group 1).In correlation analysis, the CHA2DS2-VASc score and the CF-PWV showed positive correlation.
 Conclusion: The CHA2DS2-VASc score and CF-PWV were substantially and linearly associated. Calculation of CHA2DS2-VASc and monitoring of arterial stiffness in stroke-prone individuals may be stimulus for taking preventive measures from stroke in these patients.