Resting 12-lead electrocardiogram reveals high-risk sources of cardioembolism in young adult ischemic stroke.

Background: The diagnostic work-up to reveal etiology in a young ischemic stroke (IS) patient includes evaluation for high-risk source of cardioembolism (HRCE), since this subtype associates with high early recurrence rate and mortality. We investigated the association of ECG findings with a final etiologic subgroup of HRCE in a cohort of young patients with first-ever IS.

Methods: The Helsinki Young Stroke Registry includes IS patients aged 15 to 49 years admitted between 1994 and 2007.