Long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events following ischemic stroke or TIA

Data are scarce on long-term outcomes after ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this prospective cohort study, we examined the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after IS and TIA using a competing risk model and factors associated with new events using a Cox-proportional hazard regression model. All patients discharged alive from Östersund Hospital with IS or TIA between 2010 and 2013 (n = 1535) were followed until 31 December 2017. The primary endpoint was a composite of IS, type 1 acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and cardiovascular (CV) death. Secondary endpoints were the individual components of the primary endpoint, in all patients and separated in IS and TIA subgroups. The cumulative incidence of MACE (median follow-up: 4.4 years) was 12.8% (95% CI: 11.2–14.6) within 1 year after discharge and 35.6% (95% CI: 31.8–39.4) by the end of follow-up. The risk of MACE and CV death was significantly increased in IS compared to TIA (p-values < 0.05), but not the risk of IS or type 1 AMI. Age, kidney failure, prior IS, prior AMI, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and impaired functional status, were associated with an increased risk of MACE. The risk of recurring events after IS and TIA is high. IS patients have a higher risk of MACE and CV death than TIA patients.