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Although most deaths following ischemic stroke result from neurologic injury, up to 6% of patients die within 3 months from cardiac causes. To determine the frequency and predictors of serious cardiac events within 12 weeks after acute ischemic stroke, these investigators performed a post hoc analysis of data from 846 patients enrolled in the placebo arm of an acute ischemic stroke trial (Stroke 2000; 31:2543). All patients had an electrocardiogram (ECG) at baseline, documentation of cardiac events, and complete follow-up. Exclusion criteria included serious ventricular arrhythmia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, baseline QT interval >450 ms, acute heart failure, and myocardial infarction within the preceding 6 weeks.
During …