Strain rate evaluation of phasic atrial function in hypertension.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Myocardial strain (SI) and strain rate (SR) are emerging techniques for assessing regional myocardial deformation.
• These measures may offer novel insights into phasic atrial function.
• Evaluating atrial function is crucial, especially in conditions like hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of using strain (SI) and strain rate (SR) to assess phasic atrial function.
• Specifically, to investigate these parameters in patients with mild essential hypertension (HT).

Main Methods:

• Study included 54 patients with mild HT and 80 age-matched controls.
• Standard echocardiography and Doppler tissue imaging were employed.
• Left atrial (LA) volumes (maximal, minimal, pre-P wave) and phasic LA volumes were calculated; SI and SR (systolic, early diastolic, late diastolic) were measured.

Main Results:

• Hypertensive patients showed significantly lower early diastolic strain rate (E-Sr) compared to controls.
• A reduction in indexed conduit volume was observed in the HT cohort.
• Maximal LA volume and global atrial strain were not significantly different between groups, while systolic (S-Sr) and late diastolic (A-Sr) strain rates were preserved.

Conclusions:

• Mild hypertension leads to reduced LA conduit volume and impaired early diastolic function, indicated by decreased E-Sr.
• Maximal LA volume remains unchanged, suggesting preserved reservoir function.
• E-Sr emerges as a sensitive marker for detecting early diastolic atrial dysfunction in mild hypertension.