Impact of carotid atherosclerosis in CHA2DS2-VASc-based risk score on predicting ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background/Aims Vascular disease is an established risk factor for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), which is included in CHA2DS2-VASc score. However, the role of carotid atherosclerosis remains to be determined. Methods Three hundred-ten patients with AF who underwent carotid sonography were enrolled. Results During a median follow-up of 31 months, 18 events (5.8%) of stroke were identified. Patients with stroke had higher...