A nationwide Finnish study involving 229,565 patients revealed that the risk of ischemic stroke in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) decreased over time, especially in those without prior myocardial infarction. Between 2007-2010, HF patients had a 32% higher stroke risk compared to non-HF patients, which fell to 8% by 2015-2018. The stroke rate remained elevated in patients with both conditions, emphasizing the need for ongoing risk assessment and tailored stroke prevention strategies.

Source: JAHA