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Atrial electromechanical coupling interval and P-wave dispersion in healthy elderly
Nesligül Yildirim1, Murat Tulmac, Vedat Simsek
1Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kirikkale University, Turkey. nesligul2004@hotmail.com
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|November 2, 2012
Summary
Natural aging increases P-wave dispersion and atrial electromechanical coupling (EMC) delays, potentially raising the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study highlights aging
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gerontology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
- Aging is a significant risk factor for AF.
- Understanding the electrophysiological changes associated with aging is crucial for AF prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of natural aging on atrial electrophysiology.
- To assess electrocardiographic P-wave characteristics and atrial electromechanical coupling (EMC) in older adults.
- To explore the relationship between aging, P-wave dispersion (PD), and atrial EMC.
Main Methods:
- Compared 25 healthy individuals aged ≥65 years with 25 younger controls (<65 years).
- Measured P-wave dispersion (PD) using 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG).
- Assessed intra- and inter-atrial electromechanical coupling (EMC) via tissue Doppler imaging.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited significantly higher Pmax and PD compared to younger controls (p<0.001).
- Left atrial and inter-atrial EMC were significantly delayed in the older group (p<0.001).
- Significant correlations were found between left atrial diameter, PD, Pmax, and atrial EMC intervals.
Conclusions:
- Aging is associated with increased left atrial size and impaired diastolic relaxation.
- Prolonged P-wave dispersion (PD) and delayed atrial electromechanical coupling (EMC) in older individuals may increase AF risk.
- These findings underscore the electrophysiological consequences of aging relevant to atrial fibrillation pathogenesis.
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