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A Comparative Study of Left Atrial Function Index of Hypertensive Heart Failure Patients Versus Controls in a

Anthony G Kweki1, Ejiroghene M Umuerri2,1, Fredrick I Aigbe2,1

  • 1Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, NGA.

Cureus
|January 30, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The left atrial function index is significantly lowest in hypertensive heart failure patients. This index is also worse in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, suggesting its clinical utility.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac Physiology

Background:

  • The left atrium plays a crucial role in left ventricular filling through its reservoir, conduit, and pump functions.
  • Left atrial volumes are used to assess these phasic functions.
  • The left atrial function index offers a more comprehensive, rhythm-independent assessment of left atrial function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the left atrial function index in three groups: hypertensive patients with heart failure, hypertensive patients without heart failure, and normotensive individuals.
  • To evaluate the utility of the left atrial function index as a marker of cardiac health in hypertensive populations.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional analytical study conducted at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
  • Inclusion of 80 hypertensive heart failure patients, 80 hypertensive patients, and 40 normotensive patients.
  • Assessment of left atrial function using the volumetric method to determine the left atrial function index.

Main Results:

  • The left atrial function index was significantly lowest in the hypertensive heart failure group (21.13 ± 8.83) compared to hypertensive (42.28 ± 10.40) and normotensive (50.47 ± 14.37) groups (p=0.001).
  • No significant difference was observed between the hypertensive and normotensive groups (p=0.12).
  • Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction exhibited a significantly worse left atrial function index (13.5 ± 5.94) than those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (40.81 ± 12.12) (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • The left atrial function index is markedly reduced in hypertensive heart failure patients and is more impaired in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
  • The index did not significantly differ between hypertensive and normotensive groups without heart failure.
  • Routine incorporation of the left atrial function index in echocardiographic assessments is recommended, with further studies needed to establish its cut-off values.
Abstract

Keywords:
hfpefhfrefhypertensionhypertensive hfla function index

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