Strain analysis during exercise in patients with asymptomatic atrial septal defect

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Right ventricular (RV) deformational mechanics in atrial septal defect (ASD) patients at rest are known.
• Limited data exists on RV strain adaptation during exercise in asymptomatic ASD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the adaptability of RV strains and strain rates (SRs) during exercise in clinically asymptomatic ASD patients.

Main Methods:

• Included 20 asymptomatic ASD patients and 11 age-matched controls.
• Subjects underwent incremental ergometry with echocardiography and 2D strain/SR imaging at rest and during submaximal exercise.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in RV strains and SRs at rest between groups.
• Both groups showed increased strains and SRs with exercise.
• ASD patients exhibited significantly higher lateral and septal strains during exercise compared to controls, but similar SRs.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic ASD patients without RV overload have normal resting RV strain and SR.
• RV strain and SR findings worsen during submaximal exercise in ASD patients compared to controls.