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Atrial electromechanical coupling intervals in pregnant subjects
Burak Altun1, Hakan Tasolar2, Emïne Gazï1
1Department of Cardiology, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey.
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|March 15, 2014
Summary
Pregnant individuals exhibit prolonged atrial electromechanical coupling intervals and P-wave dispersion, potentially increasing their risk for atrial fibrillation (AF). These findings highlight important cardiac changes during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Pregnancy is associated with significant cardiovascular adaptations.
- Atrial conduction abnormalities may increase the risk of arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis offer insights into atrial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate atrial conduction abnormalities using TDI and ECG in pregnant subjects.
- To compare atrial electromechanical coupling (PA) intervals and P-wave dispersion (PD) between pregnant women and controls.
Main Methods:
- 30 pregnant subjects and 30 controls underwent echocardiography and TDI for left ventricular (LV) function assessment.
- Inter-atrial, intra-atrial, and intra-left atrial electromechanical coupling (PA) intervals were measured using TDI.
- P-wave dispersion (PD) was calculated from a 12-lead ECG.
Main Results:
- Pregnant subjects showed significantly prolonged atrial electromechanical coupling intervals (PA septal, PA lateral) compared to controls.
- Inter-atrial, intra-atrial, and intra-left atrial electromechanical coupling intervals were significantly longer in pregnant individuals.
- Maximum P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion (PD) were also significantly increased in pregnant subjects.
Conclusions:
- Pregnant subjects exhibit prolonged atrial electromechanical coupling intervals and P-wave dispersion.
- These prolonged intervals are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) during pregnancy.
- TDI and ECG are valuable tools for assessing atrial conduction in pregnant populations.
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