Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 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

Global left atrial strain correlates with CHADS2 risk score in patients with atrial fibrillation

Samir K Saha1, Paula L Anderson, Giuseppe Caracciolo

  • 1Department of Clinical Physiology, Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, Sundsvall Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
|April 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Left atrial (LA) strain, a measure of LA function, is reduced in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Reduced LA strain predicts stroke risk and cardiovascular outcomes in AF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Atrial Fibrillation Research

Background:

  • Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a significant risk for thromboembolic events.
  • Assessing cardiovascular risk in AF patients often relies on clinical scores like CHADS2.
  • Echocardiography offers insights into cardiac function, potentially refining risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between echocardiographic parameters, specifically left atrial (LA) strain, and the CHADS2 score in patients with nonvalvular AF.
  • To determine if LA strain can predict adverse outcomes in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 77 subjects (36 with AF, 41 controls).
  • Utilized standard two-dimensional, Doppler, and speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess regional and global LA strain.
  • Analyzed interobserver and intraobserver variability of LA strain measurements.

Main Results:

  • Patients with AF exhibited significantly reduced global longitudinal LA strain compared to controls (P < .001).
  • Global LA strain was identified as a predictor of high thromboembolism risk (CHADS2 score ≥ 2; OR, 0.86; P = .02).
  • The addition of global LA strain and indexed LA volume to the CHADS2 score improved the prediction of hospitalization and/or death (P = .003).

Conclusions:

  • Left atrial (LA) strain is a reliable and reproducible marker of dynamic LA function.
  • LA strain serves as a valuable predictor of stroke risk and cardiovascular outcomes in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
  • Echocardiographic assessment of LA strain can enhance risk stratification in AF management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...