Clinical Report: Resting Heart Rate and In-Hospital Mortality Following Acute Stroke

Overview

This study investigates the association between admission ECG-derived resting heart rate (RHR) and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute stroke. A significant correlation was found, with each 10-beats/min increase in RHR linked to a 12% higher odds of in-hospital death.

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability, necessitating effective early risk assessment tools. Admission heart rate is a readily available physiological marker that may reflect underlying stress and autonomic dysfunction in acute stroke patients.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Admission ECG-derived RHR is associated with in-hospital mortality in acute stroke patients.
• Each 10-beats/min increase in RHR correlates with a 12% increase in odds of in-hospital death.
• Mortality rates are higher with RHR ≥ 76 beats/min compared to lower rates (10.9% vs. 4.8%).
• In patients without atrial fibrillation, mortality rates are significantly higher with elevated RHR (9.0% vs. 3.6%).
• The association of RHR with mortality should be interpreted as pragmatic risk information rather than a causal determinant.

Clinical Implications

The study presents findings on the association of admission RHR with in-hospital mortality in acute stroke patients.

Conclusion

The study presents findings on the association of admission RHR with in-hospital mortality among acute stroke patients.

Related Resources & Content

1. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2021 -- Early In-Hospital Heart Rate Correlates with Long-Term Survival Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
2. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Analysis of the predictive value of heart rate variability analysis combined with SOFA and APACHE II scores for the 28-day mortality risk of patients in the emergency intensive care unit
3. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2010 -- Prognostic Implications of Electrocardiographic Identification of Undiagnosed Myocardial Infarction in Individuals with Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Insights from the Heart and Soul Study
4. 2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
5. Clinical Research in Cardiology — Assessing Patients with Suspected NSTE-ACS in the Observation Zone: A Study on the GRACE 1.0 Score and Biomarker Panel for Enhanced Risk Stratification and Management
6. Addressing Systemic Complications of Acute Stroke - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
7. 2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association | Stroke
8. Resting Heart Rate and In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With and Without Atrial Fibrillation - PubMed