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08:17
Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery
Published on: February 20, 2017
Left atrial size in hypertension and stroke
Grzegorz Piotrowski1, Maciej Banach, Eva Gerdts
1Department of Cardiology, Nicolas Copernicus Specialist District Hospital in Lodz, Poland. gpiotr4@wp.pl
Journal of Hypertension
|September 2, 2011
Summary
Enlarged left atrial volume index (LAVi) is a key indicator of stroke risk in hypertensive patients. This study confirms LAVi is the most accurate measurement for predicting ischemic stroke.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Enlarged left atrium is a known risk factor for stroke.
- Standardized measurement of left atrial size remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare different methods of left atrial size measurement.
- To determine the best predictor of ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography and carotid artery ultrasound were performed in 120 hypertensive patients and 64 hypertensive patients with stroke.
- Left atrial size was measured by antero-posterior diameter (LAD) and volume (LAV), indexed to body surface area (LADi/LAVi).
Main Results:
- Left atrial volume index (LAVi) and diameter index (LADi) were significantly larger in the stroke group.
- Larger left atrial size correlated with higher blood pressure and carotid artery stenosis.
- LAVi was the most effective measurement for predicting stroke.
Conclusions:
- Hypertensive patients with ischemic stroke have larger left atrial size, left ventricular mass index, and carotid artery stenosis.
- Left atrial volume index (LAVi) is the superior measurement for assessing stroke risk in this population.
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