Metabolic syndrome is associated with atrial electrical and mechanical dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Cardiac Electrophysiology

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• Left atrial (LA) function plays a crucial role in cardiac hemodynamics and is increasingly recognized as an indicator of cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrical and mechanical functions of the left atrium in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
• To assess differences in intra-atrial and interatrial electromechanical delays (EDs) and P-wave dispersion (Pd) between MetS patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Tissue Doppler imaging was used to measure intra-atrial and interatrial EDs.
• 12-lead electrocardiograms were utilized to calculate P-wave dispersion (Pd).
• Echocardiography determined LA volumes using the biplane area-length method in 87 MetS patients and 67 controls.

Main Results:

• Patients with MetS exhibited significantly higher intra-atrial EDs, interatrial EDs, and Pd compared to controls (p < 0.001 for all).
• LA mechanical function showed alterations, with higher preatrial contraction and active emptying volumes but a lower passive emptying fraction in MetS patients.
• MetS, LA active emptying volume, and left ventricular E/A ratios were independent predictors of interatrial ED.

Conclusions:

• Patients with metabolic syndrome demonstrate prolonged intra-atrial and interatrial electromechanical delays.
• Left atrial mechanical functions are impaired in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
• These findings suggest that MetS adversely affects atrial electrophysiology and mechanics, potentially contributing to cardiovascular risk.