Normal Reference Values for Left Atrial Strain and Its Determinants from a Large Korean Multicenter Registry.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Imaging
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Left atrial (LA) strain is a novel echocardiographic parameter assessing LA function.
• Establishing reference values and understanding determinants of LA strain is crucial.
• This study addresses these gaps in a large cohort of healthy individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine reference values for LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile strain (LAS_RES, LAS_CD, LAS_CT) in healthy adults.
• To identify factors influencing LA strain components.
• To explore associations between LA strain and other cardiac mechanics parameters.

Main Methods:

• Prospective multicenter registry in South Korea.
• Inclusion of 324 healthy subjects with adequate echocardiographic images.
• Measurement of LAS_RES, LAS_CD, LAS_CT, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS), and diastolic strain rates (DSR_e, DSR_a).

Main Results:

• Mean LAS_RES: 35.9% ± 10.6%, LAS_CD: 21.9% ± 9.3%, LAS_CT: 13.9% ± 3.6%.
• LAS_RES and LAS_CD decreased significantly with age.
• Age, DSR_e, and LV GLS were independently associated with LAS_RES; age, DSR_e, DSR_a, and LV GLS with LAS_CD; and DSR_a with LAS_CT.

Conclusions:

• Reference values for LA strain components were established in a large healthy cohort.
• Age significantly impacts LA reservoir and conduit function.
• LA strain is closely linked to diastolic function and LV mechanics, reflecting integrated cardiac performance.