What are the most common risk factors for stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation?
The most common risk factors for stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation include age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial size, and the presence of spontaneous echo contrast. Other factors such as the presence of a right to left shunt or patent foramen ovale, use of oral contraceptives, and hyperthyroidism may also increase the risk of stroke or thromboembolism in these patients.