EAST-STROKE: Establishing a new treatment strategy to prevent recurrent strokes

EAST-STROKE: Establishing a new treatment strategy to prevent recurrent strokes

EAST-STROKE is a European research study exploring better ways to prevent a second stroke in people who have already had one when they also have a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF).

What is atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition where the heart beats in an irregular and often fast rhythm instead of a steady one. This uneven beating can cause blood to collect in the heart, which may lead to clots forming. If a clot travels to the brain, it can block blood flow and cause a stroke. People who have already had a stroke who also have AF have a higher risk of experiencing another stroke.

What is EAST-STROKE testing?

To lower the risk of another stroke in people with AF, doctors usually prescribe blood thinners to prevent clots and medicines to slow the heart rate.

The EAST-STROKE study is testing whether starting an additional treatment soon after a stroke, called rhythm control, could further reduce the risk of future strokes and heart problems.

What is rhythm control?

Rhythm control aims to get the heart beating in a normal, steady rhythm again. It can include:

           Medicines that help correct the heart’s rhythm

           Ablation, a procedure that treats tiny areas in the heart causing the irregular rhythm

Rhythm control is already used for many people with AF, but it is not usually started soon after a stroke. EAST-STROKE will find out whether using it earlier is safe and effective.

Why does this matter?

Life after a stroke can already be challenging. Recovery often affects not just physical health, but also independence, emotions, work and family life. Preventing a second stroke is especially important, as these strokes are often more severe and, if survived, can lead to greater disability and a lower quality of life.

Dr Märit Jensen, Neurologist at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf: “Life after stroke can be a long and difficult journey. By treating the heart rhythm problem early, we hope to reduce the risk of further strokes and help patients avoid more complications that affect their daily lives.” 

Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE: “If this treatment approach proves safe and effective, it would change how we care for stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and could help prevent many future strokes.”

About the trial

Lead institution: University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Germany

Funding: European Union (Horizon Programme; €7m)

Participants: 1,746 patients worldwide

Sites: Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and later expansion to countries including the UK, Canada and Brazil

Timeline: The first trial sites have been initiated and the first patient was enrolled in December 2025; trial duration is approximately 5 years.

For more information about this project, see video: https://youtu.be/F3xRGHexgws

Or visit the EAST-STROKE website: https://east-stroke.eu/

Or contact research@safestroke.eu

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101156541.

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