The association of P-terminal force value and increased risk for ischemic stroke among admitted patients in a tertiary hospital: a retrospective case-control study

FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular disease is the second leading cause of mortality in the Philippines, with prevalence of 0.9 to 2.6%.³ However, recent researches show that left atrial abnormality, even without atrial fibrillation, increases risk for ischemic stroke. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the association of P-terminal force value in V1 (PTFV1) and ischemic stroke. Secondary objectives are to elucidate the relationships of PTFV1 and dilated left atrium (LA), and dilated LA and ischemic stroke. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study which included adult Asian patients managed as first-time ischemic stroke, with an age-, gender- and co-morbidity-matched control group. A total of 290 patients were evaluated. Binary logistic regression was used in the analysis of the primary outcome, while independent T-test and chi-square test were utilized for the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: PTFV1 and ischemic stroke had a statistically significant positive association. Every 1 unit change of PTFV1 confers 1.7% increased risk for ischemic stroke. Furthermore, a higher PTFV1 was significantly correlated with dilated LA. However, there was no significant association between dilated LA and ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION: PTFV1 confers an easier way to diagnose patients with left atrial abnormality, and stratify those with increased risk for ischemic stroke. [Figure: see text] [Figure: see text]