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Prognostic role of left atrial volume in elderly patients with symptomatic stable chronic heart failure: comparison

Bogdan A Popescu1, Andreea C Popescu, Francesco Antonini-Canterin

  • 1Prof. Dr. C. C. Iliescu Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Bucharest, Romania. bogdan.a.popescu@gmail.com

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|November 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Left atrial volume (LAVi) is the strongest independent predictor of long-term outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). This finding highlights LAVi

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Left atrial (LA) volume and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are established predictors of adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF).
  • Assessing prognostic markers in symptomatic but stable chronic HF is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the prognostic value of left atrial volume index (LAVi), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and BNP levels for long-term outcomes in stable chronic HF patients.
  • To identify independent predictors of mortality and HF hospitalization.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 46 patients with symptomatic stable chronic HF (mean age 73 years).
  • Echocardiography assessed LV mass, volumes, ejection fraction, and LAVi.
  • LVDD was graded using Doppler, and plasma BNP levels were measured.

Main Results:

  • During a median follow-up of 20 months, 19 events (8 deaths, 11 HF hospitalizations) occurred.
  • Univariate analysis showed LAVi, LVDD, BNP, LV ejection fraction, LV volumes, and LV mass were significant predictors.
  • Multivariate regression identified LAVi as the sole independent predictor of outcome (HR 1.03 per 1 ml/m(2) increase, P=0.02).

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial volume index (LAVi) is the strongest independent predictor of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with symptomatic stable chronic HF.
  • Despite correlations with LVDD and BNP, LAVi independently predicts prognosis in this population.
Abstract

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