Health Condition: Ischemic Stroke or TIA with Atrial Fibrillation
An ischemic (is-che-mic) stroke happens when a blood vessel becomes plugged up and it stops the flow of blood to part of the brain. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke” is caused in the same way.

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) females between the ages of 35-74 are at a much higher risk of dying from a stroke than females of the same age in other races of the U.S. population.

When patients are hospitalized for a stroke along with atrial fibrillation, which is a certain type of irregular heart rhythm, it is important that they receive anticoagulant therapy to prevent future strokes, as described below.

What is anticoagulant therapy?
Anticoagulant therapy is a type of medication that is sometimes called a blood thinner or an anticoagulant. It prevents the body from making dangerous blood clots or “plugs.” This lowers the chances of the patient getting another dangerous blood clot.

Who should take this medication?
Patients with atrial fibrillation can form blood clots in the heart, and these clots can move through the bloodstream to the brain, causing a stroke. If a person with atrial fibrillation has a stroke or TIA, but is otherwise healthy, anticoagulants will often be prescribed to prevent another stroke. Some people cannot take anticoagulants because of other health concerns and risks.

How do I know if my medication can prevent me from having another stroke?
A person taking some anticoagulant therapy will need regular blood tests to make certain that they are reaching the goal or target set by their doctor. If the blood test is too low, a blood clot could form and cause another stroke. If it is too high, serious bleeding could occur. It is very important to work closely with your health care provider to be certain that the anticoagulant therapy is safe and effective.

Why is medication important?
Anticoagulant therapy is very important because it can reduce the chance of disability or death from strokes. Anticoagulant therapy has to be checked very carefully by your doctor to make sure it is working correctly and to prevent bleeding or other complications.

What is the Transparency Performance Measure?
The Transparency performance measure is the percentage of IHS AI/AN patients ages 18 and older hospitalized for stroke/TIA and atrial fibrillation who received anticoagulant therapy when they were discharged from the hospital.

How is IHS doing?
To see how IHS is performing on this measure, click here.