Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Abnormalities of left atrial function after cardioversion: an atrial strain rate study

L Thomas1, T McKay, K Byth

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University of Sydney/Westmead Hospital, Darcy Road, Sydney 2145, New South Wales, Australia. lizat@westgate.wh.usyd.edu.au

Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|July 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Atrial myocardial dysfunction after cardioversion for chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) is measurable using atrial strain rate (A-sr). This measure, though initially reduced, shows recovery over time in patients with CAF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac Physiology

Background:

  • Atrial myocardial dysfunction post-cardioversion for chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) requires further elucidation.
  • The utility of Doppler-derived atrial strain rate (A-sr) in assessing global left atrial function after cardioversion is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate Doppler-derived atrial strain rate (A-sr) as a measure of global left atrial function.
  • To compare A-sr in patients with CAF post-cardioversion against healthy controls.
  • To assess changes in A-sr over a 6-month follow-up period.

Main Methods:

  • Measured A-sr from four atrial walls using Doppler tissue imaging in 37 cardioverted CAF patients and 37 controls.
  • Assessed conventional atrial function parameters and atrial contraction velocity (A' velocity).
  • Measured time to peak A-sr from aortic valve closure.

Main Results:

  • Immediately post-cardioversion, A-sr was significantly lower in the CAF group compared to controls (p<0.001).
  • A-sr correlated with A' velocity (r = 0.63; p<0.001) in patients.
  • Atrial function improved within 4 weeks, but the time to peak A-sr remained prolonged compared to controls.

Conclusions:

  • Doppler-derived atrial strain rate (A-sr) effectively quantifies global left atrial function.
  • Atrial function, assessed by A-sr, is impaired after cardioversion from CAF but demonstrates recovery.
  • While overall function improves, prolonged time to peak A-sr suggests persistent subtle dysfunction.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation01:25

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation

Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm01:19

Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm

The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase of...