Left Ventricular Mass Index and Relative Wall Thickness Predict Atrial High-Rate Episodes in Patients With Pacemaker...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) post-cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation are linked to stroke risk.
• Echocardiographic indices like left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) may predict AHREs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive value of LVMI and RWT for AHREs following CIED implantation.
• To identify echocardiographic predictors of AHREs in patients receiving pacemakers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective single-center study of 122 patients undergoing dual-chamber pacemaker implantation.
• Analysis of clinical data, serological markers, and echocardiographic indices.
• Cox regression and ROC curve analysis to determine predictors and predictive value of LVMI and RWT for AHREs.

Main Results:

• Lower RWT and higher LVMI were independently associated with an increased risk of AHREs.
• ROC analysis indicated predictive values for LVMI (AUC=0.722) and RWT (AUC=0.716).
• Patients with LVMI ≥ 114.930 or RWT < 0.392 showed a higher incidence of AHREs.

Conclusions:

• LVMI and RWT are independent predictors of AHREs after pacemaker implantation.
• Specific thresholds for LVMI (≥ 114.930) and RWT (< 0.392) identify high-risk patients.
• These findings support early clinical intervention for patients at high risk of AHREs.