These results showed that AF is an independent risk factor for MI , CV death , and CV events
This study aim ed to investigate whether  atrial fibrillation ( AF ) predicts myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) or cardiovascular ( CV ) death .
AF is a well-established risk factor for thrombotic stroke and all-cause mortality .
Aortic plaque in atrial fibrillation: prevalence, predictors, and thromboembolic implications.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Thoracic aortic plaque identified by transesophageal echocardiography heightens the risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation ( AF ) . We sought to identify the prevalence , predictors , and implication s of aortic plaque in patients with nonvalvular AF . METHODS Thoracic aortic plaque was prospect ively sought in 770 persons with AF with the use of transesophageal echocardiography and classified as simple or complex on the basis of thickness > /=4 mm , ulceration , or mobility .  Clinical and echocardiographic features of thromboembolism were correlated by multivariate analysis . RESULTS Aortic plaque was detected in 57 % of the cohort , and complex plaque was detected in 25 % . Both were found more frequently in the descending than in the proximal aorta . Potentially etiologic patient characteristics independently associated with complex plaque included advanced age , history of hypertension , diabetes , and past or present tobacco use . Comorbidities associated with aortic plaque were prior thromboembolism , increased pulse pressure , ischemic heart disease , stenosis or sclerosis of the aortic valve , mitral annular calcification ( > 10 % ) , elevated serum creatinine concentration , spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrium or appendage , and left atrial appendage thrombus . The prevalence of complex plaque in patients aged < 70 years with < 10 % mitral annular calcification , without ischemic heart disease , or without pulse pressure > /=65 mm Hg was 4 % ( 95 % CI , 1 % to 6 % ) . CONCLUSIONS Aortic plaque is prevalent in patients with AF and is associated with atherosclerosis risk factors and with left atrial stasis or thrombosis , which are themselves independent stroke risk factors . Since the predominant location of complex plaque was in the descending aorta , the role of aortic plaque as a source of embolism in AF is uncertain
These results showed that AF is an independent risk factor for MI , CV death , and CV events
This study aim ed to investigate whether  atrial fibrillation ( AF ) predicts myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) or cardiovascular ( CV ) death .
AF is a well-established risk factor for thrombotic stroke and all-cause mortality .