Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

[Left atrial size in patients with arterial hypertension]

Suzana Milutinović, Svetlana Apostolović, Ivan Tasić

    Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo
    |August 19, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Arterial hypertension significantly increases left atrial size, a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and stroke. This enlargement is most pronounced in hypertensive patients with obesity or left ventricular hypertrophy, independent of diastolic function.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Hypertension Research
    • Echocardiography

    Background:

    • Arterial hypertension is linked to increased left atrial size, a known risk factor for atrial fibrillation and stroke.
    • Left atrial size is influenced by factors such as body mass and left ventricular mass.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence of left atrial enlargement in patients with arterial hypertension, particularly in those who are also obese or have left ventricular hypertrophy.
    • To assess the impact of diastolic function parameters on left atrial dimensions in hypertensive individuals.

    Main Methods:

    • Echocardiography was used to examine 93 patients with arterial hypertension and 33 healthy controls.
    • Demographic and clinical data, including body mass index and left ventricular mass, were collected and analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Hypertensive patients exhibited significantly higher body mass index, left ventricular mass, and left atrial size compared to controls.
    • Left atrial enlargement was observed in 44.1% of hypertensive patients, rising to 53.3% with left ventricular hypertrophy and 58.3% with obesity.
    • While diastolic function parameters differed significantly, they did not correlate with left atrial size in hypertensive patients.

    Conclusions:

    • Left atrial size is significantly larger in patients with arterial hypertension compared to healthy individuals.
    • Hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and obesity show the most substantial left atrial enlargement.
    • Left ventricular diastolic function parameters do not significantly influence left atrial size in patients with arterial hypertension.
    Abstract

    More Related Videos

    Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat08:34

    Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat

    Published on: November 18, 2018

    Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation08:10

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

    Published on: July 20, 2022

    Related Concept Videos

    Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

    Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

    Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
    Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

    Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

    Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...