Cardiac Assessment for Recurrent Stroke Risk Evaluation in Atrial Fibrillation

Launched by INSEL GRUPPE AG, UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BERN · Apr 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The CARE-AF trial is studying how certain clinical factors and heart-related tests can help predict the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition. Atrial fibrillation can lead to serious complications like ischemic stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. Even though many patients take blood-thinning medications to prevent these strokes, some still experience what is known as a "breakthrough stroke." This study aims to better understand why this happens and how to identify patients at higher risk for future strokes.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have a known diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, and have recently experienced a stroke. Participants will undergo various tests and have regular follow-ups for a year to monitor their health. The findings from this study could improve how doctors assess stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and guide treatment decisions, especially for those at higher risk. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, this trial may provide valuable insights into managing stroke risk.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 18 years
• • Written informed consent (by patient, next of kin or legally authorised representative)
• • Permanent, persistent, or paroxysmal AF previously known or diagnosed during the index hospitalisation
• • Acute (≤7 days), symptomatic ischemic stroke
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Life expectancy \<1 year according to the opinion of the investigator
• • Patient is unlikely to attend follow-up visits