Title:Biomarker Assays for Personalised Stroke Risk Assessment in Atrial Fibrillation
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Author(s): Angela Hall, Rupert F.G. Simpson and Andrew R.J. Mitchell*
Affiliation:
- Consultant Cardiologist, Jersey International Centre for Advanced Studies, Department of Cardiology, Jersey General Hospital, Gloucester Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 3QS, Channel Islands,United Kingdom
Keywords:
Atrial fibrillation, stroke risk, biomarkers, troponin, BNP, D-dimers, personalised medicine.
Abstract: Background: Atrial fibrillation is a well-known independent risk factor for stroke yet there
is no international consensus on guidelines regarding the introduction of anticoagulation in patients
deemed at intermediate risk (e.g. CHA2DS2-VASc of 1). The evolution of cardiac biomarkers such as
highly sensitive troponins and B-type natriuretic peptide as well as data on D-dimers, may offer
incremental enhancements for personalized thromboembolism risk assessment. These markers
provide prognostic data for risk of cardiovascular morbidities associated with atrial fibrillation and
offer additional specificity for assessing stroke and thromboembolic risk. These assays may therefore
enhance risk prognosis in atrial fibrillation alongside conventional stroke risk stratification tool
patients. We seek to explore the application of personalised risk assessment using the biomarkers to
aid the clinician treating the patient with atrial fibrillation deemed to be at intermediate risk of stroke.
Conclusion: The stroke risk assessment of a patient with an intermediate risk of stroke (CHA2DS2-
VASc score 1) may be improved by using cardiac biomarkers such as highly sensitive troponin, BNP
and D-dimers. We explore the application of these biomarkers to provide personalised risk
assessment to help a patient with AF decide on whether to commence anticoagulation.
