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ClearRounds Health · Cardiology · Quick Reference

CVA / TIA from a Cardiology Standpoint

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Vascular & ThromboembolicIntermediateIn progressOne-page PDF

Cardioembolic workup, rhythm monitoring, echo/TEE, PFO considerations, anticoagulation timing concepts, and urgent referral.

Covers both completed stroke and TIA.

Last reviewed

Pending initial clinical review

Sources / guidelines to verify

  • AHA/ASA Secondary Stroke Prevention Guideline
  • 2023 ACC/AHA Atrial Fibrillation Guideline
Disclaimer: Educational reference only. Not a substitute for clinician judgment, local protocols, or current guideline review.

One-page reference

Draft content pending the site owner’s clinical review. Verify against the sources above and local protocol before clinical use.

1

What it is / why it matters

  • The cardiology angle on stroke/TIA — cardioembolic sources (AF, structural, PFO).
  • Identify the source to prevent recurrence.
2

Key diagnostic clues

  • Sudden focal deficit (stroke) or transient (TIA); multiple territories suggest a cardiac source.
  • AF, recent MI, low EF, valve disease, or PFO.
3

Initial workup

  • Brain imaging; telemetry/extended rhythm monitoring to detect paroxysmal AF.
  • Echo (TTE; TEE for source/PFO/LAA); assess for LV thrombus and valve disease.
4

Management framework

  • AF or LV thrombus → anticoagulation (timing per stroke size and bleeding risk).
  • PFO closure for selected cryptogenic stroke (with neurology).
  • Secondary prevention: statin, BP, antiplatelet for non-cardioembolic; carotid evaluation.
5

Red flags / escalate now

  • Acute stroke/TIA → emergent stroke pathway (time-sensitive thrombolysis/thrombectomy); crescendo TIA.
6

Follow-up / monitoring

  • Prolonged monitoring for occult AF; anticoagulation decisions; risk factors.
7

Clinic pearls

  • Cryptogenic stroke → hunt for paroxysmal AF with prolonged monitoring.
  • Anticoagulation timing balances re-embolization against hemorrhagic transformation; PFO closure is selective.

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ClearRounds Health · Cardiology — CVA / TIA from a Cardiology Standpoint Quick Reference · Last reviewed: Pending initial clinical review · Educational reference only. Not a substitute for clinician judgment, local protocols, or current guideline review.