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Assessment of left atrial mechanical function by two-dimensional echocardiography in hypertensive patients

Saoussen Antit, Lilia Zakhama, Aymen Amri

    La Tunisie Medicale
    |December 25, 2019
    PubMed

    Insights

    Arterial hypertension impacts left atrial (LA) function, increasing reservoir and pumping capabilities while decreasing passive emptying function. These changes correlate with left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Cardiovascular Physiology

    Background:

    • The left atrium (LA) plays a crucial role in cardiac function, encompassing reservoir, conduit, and pump functions.
    • Various pathologies can lead to structural and functional alterations in the LA.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the specific effects of arterial hypertension on the size and functional capacity of the left atrium.

    Main Methods:

    • A prospective study compared 50 hypertensive patients with 50 healthy controls.
    • Transthoracic echocardiography using the biplane Simpson method assessed LA volumes (Vmax, Vmin, Vp) at different cardiac cycle points.
    • LA reservoir, conduit, and pump functions were quantitatively evaluated.

    Main Results:

    • Hypertension significantly increased all measured LA volumes (Vmax, Vmin, Vp).
    • LA reservoir function, indicated by total emptying volume, was elevated in hypertensive patients.
    • LA conduit function was impaired, evidenced by a lower passive emptying fraction in hypertensives, particularly with left ventricular hypertrophy.
    • LA pumping function was enhanced in hypertensive individuals, with a higher active emptying fraction, especially when diastolic dysfunction was present.

    Conclusions:

    • Arterial hypertension is associated with augmented LA pumping and reservoir functions and diminished passive emptying function.
    • These observed alterations in LA function are linked to the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and the severity of diastolic dysfunction.
    Abstract

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