Atrial premature complex burden as a risk stratification predictor of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and embolic stroke

The presence and burden of APC run are strongly associated with embolic strokes. High APC burden displays similar aetiological stroke presentation to those with pAF. This appears to be distinct from those with low APC burden, where the majority had alternative identified aetiology. This is likely due to downstream consequences of atrial myopathy. In the absence of pAF, APC identification may be important in the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations of cryptogenic stroke patients.