Page 29 - FULL REPORT 30012024

2.1.4 Current methods of assessing stroke risk

There are two methods of assessing stroke risk use mainly by the health
professional.

i. Conventional risk factors

The traditional risk factors method is widely used in clinical practise

and plays an important role in estimating the risk of stroke. The

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores are widely used risk
assessment tools that can predict stroke risk in people with atrial

fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disease.

According to Lip et al. (2021), these risk scores, along with other

traditional risk factors, have a modest predictive value for stroke
outcomes. Congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, and a

previous stroke or transient ischemic attack are all factors considered
in these ratings. They propose a systematic strategy to categorised the

risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients.

ii. Carotid ultrasound

Carotid ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool that can provide

extensive information about the carotid arteries, which carry blood to
the brain. According to Ziegelbauer et al. (2013), including carotid

ultrasonography measures such as intima-media thickness (IMT) or the
presence of plaque into stroke risk prediction models can improve their

accuracy.

The thickness of the innermost layers of the carotid artery walls is

measured as intima-media thickness. Increased IMT is linked to the
development of atherosclerosis and can signal the presence of early-

stage arterial disease. Plaque within the carotid arteries, which can be
characterised by the presence of fatty deposits, deposits of calcium, or

other irregularities, is another symptom of atherosclerosis. By using the

12