Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation Incidentally Detected in Primary Care Compared with Other Clinical Presentations.

 Ischemic stroke risk in patients with AA-AF incidentally detected in primary care is far from benign, and not less than incident AF presenting clinically in general practice or hospital. This provides justification for identification of previously undetected AF, e.g., by opportunistic screening, and subsequent stroke prevention with thromboprophylaxis, to reduce the approximately 10% of ischemic strokes related to unrecognized AF.