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Ency. home > Disease > S > Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism

Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Definition:

Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism is a loss of brain function caused by clots that develop in the heart and travel to the brain.

Causes and Risks

Stroke involves loss of brain functions (neurologic deficits), caused by a loss of blood circulation to areas of the brain. The specific neurologic deficits vary depending on the location, extent of the damage, and cause of the disorder.

Strokes secondary to cardiogenic embolism are caused by emboli (moving blood clots) that develop in the heart. The embolus travels through the bloodstream and becomes stuck in a small artery in the brain.

This stroke typically occurs suddenly with immediate maximum loss of brain functions (neurologic deficit). It is not associated with activity levels, but it can occur at any time.

Heart arrhythmias are commonly seen with this disorder, and are often the cause of the embolus. A heart muscle that is not beating strongly or regularly may result in blood stagnating (causing a clot to form). This may then dislodge and travel upwards to the brain.

Risks for stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism include a history of heart valve replacement, arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation), infective endocarditis, acute MI, mitral valve prolapse, other heart valve disorders, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and blood clots anywhere in the body.

Ency. home > Disease > S > Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism

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