Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: July 20, 2022
Left atrial strain: A novel "biomarker" for chronic kidney disease patients?
Ana Tanasa1,2, Laura Tapoi1,2, Carina Ureche1,2
1Cardiovascular Diseases Institute "Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu", Iasi, Romania.
Insights
Left atrial strain is a promising new marker for predicting cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease patients. This measure can identify patients at high risk and those with reduced exercise capacity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely linked, significantly increasing cardiovascular risk.
- Current risk prediction algorithms often underestimate this risk in CKD patients.
- There is a need for novel biomarkers to improve risk stratification in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing evidence on the role of left atrial strain in patients with chronic kidney disease.
- To assess its utility in diagnosing and predicting adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on left atrial strain in CKD.
- Analysis of studies correlating left atrial strain with cardiovascular events and exercise capacity.
Main Results:
- Left atrial size and function reflect left ventricular filling pressures.
- Increased left atrial volume index and impaired left atrial strain are independent predictors of adverse cardiovascular events.
- Left atrial strain impairment precedes changes in volume, predicting both diastolic and systolic dysfunction.
- Left atrial strain can identify CKD patients with reduced exercise capacity.
Conclusions:
- Left atrial strain is a valuable prognostic marker in CKD patients.
- It offers potential clinical applications in risk stratification and rehabilitation programs for renal patients.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease are frequently inter-connected and this association leads to an exponential growth of cardiovascular risk. This risk is currently underestimated by the existing algorithms and there is a constant need for new markers to predict adverse outcomes in this special population. In general population left atrial strain has emerged as an important tool for both the diagnosis and prognostic stratification, but data regarding its role in chronic kidney disease patients is scarce. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding this matter. Left atrial size and function mirror the duration and severity of increased left ventricular filling pressures. Increased left atrial volume index and impaired left atrial strain parameters are independent predictors for adverse cardiovascular events. Left atrial strain is impaired before changes in volume appear, thus being able to predict both diastolic and systolic function in chronic kidney disease patients. Finally, left atrial strain can identify renal patients with impaired exercise capacity and this could have clinical applications in the rehabilitation of this patients.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

