Be Alert for Patients at Risk for Ischemic Stroke; COVID Infection Could Put Them Over the Top

Respiratory sequelae may not be the only (or even the most dangerous) consequence of COVID-19 infection in patients with hypertension, atrial fibrillation, or any condition that puts them at elevated risk for ischemic stroke. According to data presented at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, as reported by Medscape, that risk is “significantly elevated” in the 3 days immediately following infection. The data were drawn from assessment of the cases of more than 19,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age and older who were known to have COVID-19 and who were hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke between January 1, 2019 and February 28, 2021. Risk periods were defined as 0 to 3 days; 4 to 7 days; 8 to 15 days; 15 to 28 days; and control periods. Incidence rate ratio was 10.97 in the 0- to 3-day period, far higher than in the 4- to 7-day period (1.59), 8- to 14-day period (1.23), and 15- to 28-day period (1.06). Increased risk was especially pronounced in subjects between 64 and 74 years of age.