A unique method for identifying people predisposed to atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of having a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke by a factor of up to five, has been developed by UK researchers.

The University of East Anglia researchers have identified four distinct markers that can predict the incidence of atrial fibrillation. These include advancing age, high diastolic blood pressure, and problems with the coordination and functionality of the upper left heart chamber.

The research team has created a user-friendly application that makes it easier for medical professionals to identify high-risk patients. This technique has the potential to improve stroke detection and treatment, thereby reducing the likelihood of further strokes.

Lead researcher Prof. Vassilios Vassiliou, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School said, “Identifying who is at high risk and more likely to develop atrial fibrillation is very important.”

“This is because it requires specific treatment with anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of future strokes,” Vassiliou said.

Vassiliou emphasized that people frequently undergo heart rhythm monitoring utilizing a loop recorder and heart ultrasounds in order to investigate the causes of stroke. The research team collected information from 323 individuals who had embolic strokes of unknown origin, which were described in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. They evaluated echocardiograms, extended cardiac rhythm data, and medical records.

"We counted the number of these patients who were discovered to have atrial fibrillation up to three years following their stroke, and went on to perform a thorough assessment to identify if there are specific parameters that are connected with atrial fibrillation identification.

“We identified four parameters that were linked with the development of atrial fibrillation, which were consistently present in patients that had this arrhythmia. We then developed a model that can be used to predict who will show atrial fibrillation in the next three years, and is therefore at increased risk of another stroke in the future,” Vassiliou said.

“This is a very easy tool that any doctor can use in clinical practice And it can potentially help doctors provide more targeted and effective treatment to these patients, ultimately aiming to highlight the people at higher risk of this arrhythmia that can benefit from prolonged heart rhythm monitoring and earlier anticoagulation to prevent a future stroke,” he added.

The study Is also being presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference held in Amsterdam from August 25-28.