Background and Aims
The Find-AF 2 trial investigates whether enhanced, prolonged and intensified heart rhythm monitoring for atrial fibrillation in stroke patients ≥ 60 years results in a reduction in recurrent ischemic stroke and systemic embolism. 5,200 patients will be randomized in 51 study centers in Germany. We aim to provide first baseline characteristics after the inclusion of more than 80 percent of the anticipated patient population.
Figure 1: Study flow chart
We present descriptive aggregated baseline data for the whole study cohort.
Results
4515 patients have been included and registered and 4302 have been randomized. 959 (22%) patients are in the high risk for developing AF stratum and 3343 (78 %) in the low risk stratum. Mean age is 72.4 ± 7.6 years. 1793 are female (40 %). BMI is 27.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2. 2203 (51 %) have never smoked, 1223 (28 %) are previous smokers, and 653 (15 %) are current smokers. 441 (10 %) have a history of coronary artery disease, 247 (6 %) have a history of myocardial infarction, 3333 (77 %) have hypertension, 1052 (24 %) have diabetes and 2117 (49 %) have dyslipedemia. Stroke subtypes are shown below.
Figure 2: Stroke subtypes
Conclusions
Baseline characteristics of the Find-AF 2 trial confirm that a large stroke population with different stroke subtypes will be included and will answer the question whether heart rhythm monitoring for AF detection reduces the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke or systemic embolism.
