2140Association of arterial stiffness with left atrial structure and phasic function: a community-based cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Yoshida ◽  
K Nakanishi ◽  
M Daimon ◽  
J Ishiwata ◽  
N Sawada ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Increased arterial stiffness is recognized as an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation, although the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is emerging as an important tool to assess arterial stiffness noninvasively which is derived from the concept of stiffness β index and is less dependent on blood pressure at the time of measurement than pulse wave velocity. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association of arterial stiffness with left atrial (LA) volume and phasic function in a community-based cohort. Methods We included 1,156 participants without overt cardiovascular disease who underwent extensive cardiovascular examination. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by CAVI. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was employed to evaluate LA phasic function including reservoir, conduit and pump strain as well as left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS). Results CAVI was negatively correlated with reservoir and conduit strain (r=−0.37 and −0.45, both p<0.001; Figure), whereas weakly, but positively correlated with LA volume index and pump strain (r=0.12 and 0.09, both p<0.01). In multivariable analysis, CAVI was significantly associated with reservoir and conduit strain independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, pertinent laboratory parameters and LV morphology and function including LVGLS (standardized β=−0.22 and −0.26, respectively, both p<0.001), whereas there was no independent association with LA volume index and pump strain. In the categorical analysis, the abnormal CAVI (≥9.0) carried the significant risk of impaired reservoir (<31.4%) and conduit (<12.4%) strain (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63 and 3.71 vs. normal CAVI, both p<0.01) in a fully-adjusted model including laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. Figure 1 Conclusion Arterial stiffness was independently associated with LA reservoir and conduit function, even in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease. This association may explain the higher incidence of atrial fibrillation in individuals with increased arterial stiffness.

Author(s):  
T. Shchetynska-Marinova ◽  
M. Kranert ◽  
S. Baumann ◽  
V. Liebe ◽  
A. Grafen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness (AS) has emerged as a strong predictor of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Although increased AS has been described as a predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF), its role as a risk marker for AF recurrence has not yet been elucidated. Methods Patients with AF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were included in this study. Presence of AS was evaluated by measuring aortic distensibility (AD) of the descending aorta by transoesophageal echocardiography. Results In total, 151 patients (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age 71.9 ± 9.8 years) were enrolled and followed for a median duration of 21 months (interquartile range 15.0–31.0). During follow-up, AF recurred in 94 (62.3%) patients. AF recurrence was seen more frequently in patients with permanent AF (27% vs 46%, p = 0.03) and in those who had undergone prior PVI (9% vs 23%, p = 0.02). AD was significantly reduced in patients with AF recurrence (mean ± SD 2.6 ± 2.3 vs 1.5 ± 0.7 × 10−3 mm Hg−1, p < 0.0001), as well as left atrial volume index (LAVI) (mean ± SD 29 ± 12 vs 44 ± 15 ml/m2, p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed LAVI (odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.4) and AS (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.8–4.1) as independent risk factors of AF recurrence. Conclusion Increased AS and left atrial size were independent predictors of AF recurrence after PVI. AD as surrogate marker of AS seemed to reflect the overall CV risk. In addition, AD was significantly correlated with left atrial size, which suggests that increased AS leads to atrial remodelling and thus to AF recurrence. Trial registration German registry for clinical studies (DRKS), DRKS00019007.


Author(s):  
Jae‐Hyeong Park ◽  
In‐Chang Hwang ◽  
Jin Joo Park ◽  
Jun‐Bean Park ◽  
Goo‐Yeong Cho

Background Stroke is a major comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF), especially in those with decreased left atrial (LA) function, and thus, identifying patients highly at risk of stroke can prevent its occurrence. We evaluated the predictive value of global longitudinal strain of LA (LAGLS) in patients with acute HF and sinus rhythm. Methods and Results In this retrospective study, 2461 patients (53.3% men, 69.7±14.4 years old) with sinus rhythm and LAGLS among 4312 consecutive patients with acute HF from 3 tertiary hospitals were included. HF phenotypes were defined as HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (left ventricular EF ≤40%), HF with midrange EF (40% <left ventricular EF <50%), and HF with preserved ejection fraction (left ventricular EF ≥50%). Primary outcome was new‐onset stroke. The mean left ventricular EF was 39.4%±15.6%. Moreover, 1388 (57.5%), 342 (14.2%), and 682 (28.3%) were classified with HF with reduced EF, HF with midrange EF, and HF with preserved EF, retrospectively. LAGLS was 17.2%±10.4%. During the follow‐up duration (mean: 30.3±25.4 months), 100 patients experienced stroke. Patients with stroke had higher LA diameter ( P =0.031) and lower LAGLS ( P =0.010) than those without stroke. In the univariate analysis, age, diabetes mellitus, LA diameter, LA volume index, and LAGLS were significant risk factors for stroke. In the multivariate analysis, each 1% decrease in LAGLS was associated with a 3.8% increased risk for stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 1.038; 95% CI, 1.013–1.065; P =0.003). When applying a LAGLS cutoff point of 14.5%, patients with LAGLS <14.5% had approximately twice the risk for stroke after adjusting other significant variables (HR, 1.940; 95% CI, 1.269–2.965; P =0.002). Conclusions In patients with acute HF and sinus rhythm, decreased LAGLS (<14.5%) was associated with an increased risk for stroke, with an annual incidence of 2.38%.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Shiraki ◽  
H Tanaka ◽  
K Yamashita ◽  
Y Tanaka ◽  
K Sumimoto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently sustained cardiac arrhythmia, with a prevalence of about 2–3% in the general population. In accordance with CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score, appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) significantly reduced the risk of thromboembolic events. However, left atrial (LA) thrombus can be detected in the LA appendage (LAA) in AF patients despite appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy. Purpose Our purpose was to investigate the associated factors of LAA thrombus formation in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients despite under appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy. Methods We retrospectively studied consecutive 286 NVAF patients for scheduled catheter ablation or electrical cardioversion for AF in our institution between February 2017 and September 2019. Mean age was 67.1±9.4 years, 79 patients (29.5%) were female, and 140 (52.2%) were paroxysmal AF. All patients underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography before catheter ablation or electrical cardioversion. All patients received appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy including warfarin or DOAC for at least 3 weeks prior to transesophageal echocardiography based on the current guidelines. LAA thrombus was defined as an echodense intracavitary mass distinct from the underlying endocardium and not caused by pectinate muscles by at least three senior echocardiologists. Results Of 286 NVAF patients with under appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy, LAA thrombus was observed in 9 patients (3.3%). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, paroxysmal AF, CHADS2 score ≥3, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), LA volume index (LAVI), mitral inflow E and mitral e' annular velocities ratio (E/e'), and LAA flow were associated with LAA thrombus formation. It was noteworthy that multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LAA flow was independent predictor of LAA thrombus (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.89, p&lt;0.005) as well as LVEF. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified the optimal cutoff value of LAA flow for predicting LAA thrombus as ≤15cm/s, with a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 93%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95. Conclusions LAA flow was strongly associated with LAA thrombus formation even in NVAF patients with appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy. According to our findings, further strengthen of oral anticoagulation therapy or percutaneous transcatheter closure of the LAA may be considered in NVAF patients with appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy but low LAA flow, especially &lt;15cm/s. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Author(s):  
Koki Nakanishi ◽  
Masao Daimon ◽  
Yuriko Yoshida ◽  
Naoko Sawada ◽  
Kazutoshi Hirose ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Although subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common clinical entity and carries independent risk for incident heart failure (HF), its possible association with subclinical cardiac dysfunction is unclear. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial (LA) phasic strain can unmask subclinical left heart abnormalities and are excellent predictors for HF. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of SCH and subclinical left heart dysfunction in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. Methods We examined 1078 participants who voluntarily underwent extensive cardiovascular health check-ups, including laboratory tests and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess LVGLS and LA reservoir, conduit, and pump strain. SCH was defined as an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level with normal concentration of free thyroxine. Results Mean age was 62 ± 12 years, and 56% were men. Seventy-eight (7.2%) participants exhibited SCH. Individuals with SCH had significantly reduced LA reservoir (37.1 ± 6.6% vs 39.1 ± 6.6%; P = 0.011) and conduit strain (17.3 ± 6.3% vs 19.3 ± 6.6%; P = 0.012) compared with those with euthyroidism, whereas there was no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction, LA volume index, LVGLS, and LA pump strain between the 2 groups. In multivariable analyses, SCH remained associated with impaired LA reservoir strain, independent of age, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and pertinent laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. including LVGLS (standardized β −0.054; P = 0.032). Conclusions In an unselected community-based cohort, individuals with SCH had significantly impaired LA phasic function. This association may be involved in the higher incidence of HF in subjects with SCH.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Hubert ◽  
V Le Rolle ◽  
E Galli ◽  
A Hernandez ◽  
E Donal

Abstract Aim This work aims to evaluate a novel semi-automatic tool for the assessment of volume-strain loops by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The proposed method was evaluated on a typical model of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction: the cardiac amyloidosis. Method 18 patients with proved cardiac amyloidosis were compared to 19 controls, from a local database. All TTE were performed using Vivid E9 or E95 ultrasound system. The complete method includes several steps: 1) extraction of LV strain full traces from apical 4 and 2 cavities views, 2) estimation of LV volume from these two traces by spline interpolations, 3) resampling of LV strain curves, determined for the same cardiac beat, (in apical 4-, 2- and 3- cavities views) as a function of pre-defined percentage increments of LV-volume and 4) calculation of the LV volume-strain loop area. (Figure 1, panel B) Results (Table 1): LVEF was similar between both groups whereas global longitudinal strain was significantly lower in amyloidosis group (−14.4 vs −20.5%; p<0.001). Amyloidosis group had a worse diastolic function with a greater left atrial volume index (51 vs 22ml/m2), a faster tricuspid regurgitation (2.7 vs 2.0 m/s), a greater E/e' ratio (17.3 vs 5.9) with a p<0.001 for all these indices. Simultaneously, the global area of volume-strain loop was significantly lower in amyloidosis group (36.5 vs 120.0%.mL). This area was better correlated with mean e' with r=0.734 (p<0.001) than all other indices (Figure 1, panel A). Table 1 Amyloidosis (N=18) Controls (N=19) p Global strain-volume loop area (%.mL) 36.5±21.3 120.0±54.2 <0.001 Global longitudinal strain (%) −14.4±3.8 −20.5±1.8 <0.001 Left ventricular ejection fraction (%) 62±7 65±5 0.08 Left atrial volume index (ml/m2) 51±22 22±5 <0.001 E/A 1.72±0.97 2.07±0.45 0.17 Mean e' 5.5±1.3 14.4±2.8 <0.001 Mean E/e' 17.3±5.4 5.9±1.4 <0.001 Tricuspid regurgitation velocity (m/s) 2.7±3.8 2.0±0.3 <0.001 Figure 1 Conclusion LV volume-strain loop area appears a very promising new tool to assess semi-automatically diastolic function. Future applications will concern the integration of LV volume-strain loop area as novel feature in machine-learning approach.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Nagaoka ◽  
Y Mukai ◽  
S Kawai ◽  
S Takase ◽  
K Sakamoto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, morphological mechanisms of AFMR are poorly understood. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the morphological characteristics in patients with AFMR. Methods Among consecutive 795 patients undergoing initial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) at our hospital, twenty-five patients with persistent AF accompanied by AFMR (≥ moderate) before RFCA (AFMR group) were studied. Age-matched 25 patients with persistent AF without MR were defined as a control group. Results Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower and left atrium volume index was larger in the AFMR group (Table). Mitral valve annulus diameter and length of anterior mitral leaflet (AML) were similar between groups, whereas length of posterior mitral leaflet (PML) was significantly shorter in the AFMR group. Smaller tethering angle of AML (γ in the figure) and shorter tethering height were significantly associated with the occurrence of AFMR, which were different from morphology of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with dilated LV. Multiple regression analysis revealed that less tenting height (p<0.05) and LA dilatation toward the posterior (p<0.01) were significantly related to AFMR. Echocardiographic parameters AFMR (n=25) Control (n=25) P value Age, y 69±8 66±10 NS Male, n (%) 9 (36) 20 (80) P=0.001 LVEF,% 60±9 67±6 P=0.004 LAD, mm 44±5 41±7 NS LAVI, ml/m2 56±17 41±13 P<0.001 MV diameter, mm 3.9±0.4 3.8±0.5 NS α angle, ° 34±9 35±7 NS β angle, ° 48±9 50±8 NS γ angle, ° 32±5 37±5 P=0.0005 AML length, mm 3.0±0.5 3.0±0.5 NS PML length, mm 2.1±0.1 2.4±0.1 P=0.03 Tenting height, mm 1.5±0.1 1.8±0.1 P=0.02 D, mm 0.8±0.3 0.5±0.3 P=0.001 LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction; LAD: left atrial diameter; LAVI: left atrial volume index; AML: anterior mitral leaflet; PML: posterior mitral leaftlet. Conclusions AFMR occurs in patients with unique morphological features, such as less tethering height and LA dilatation toward the posterior.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Shavarova ◽  
O A Kravtsova ◽  
I A Chomova ◽  
Z D Kobalava

Abstract Relative aldosterone excess is related with arterial stiffness, endothelial dysfunction and profibrotic effects on the heart. We aimed to evaluate the association of plasma aldosterone and pulse wave velocity (PWV) with left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension (AH). Methods The study included 74 patients (41% male), mean age 62.0±8.2 years. Among these patients 22 (30%) had diabetes mellitus, 60 (81%) had dyslipidemia, 8 (11%) were smokers. All patients undergone clinical and laboratory evaluation, echocardiography and applanation tonometry. Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) was measured by using overnight fasting blood sampling between 7 am and 9 am. Results Mean PWV was 11.3±2.4 m/s, heart rate (H) was 72±10 bpm, aortic systolic BP was 160±21 mm Hg, aortic diastolic BP was 89±10 mm Hg, aortic pulse pressure was 60±19 mm Hg, augmentation index normalized for HR of 75 beats/min (AIx75) was 15±10%, LVMI was 124±33 g/m2, LAVI was 36±6 ml/m2, E/e' was 10.8±4.6. In simple analysis PAC significantly (p<0.05) correlated with brachial (r=0.29) and aortic diastolic BP (r=0.27), LAVI (r=0.32), E/e' (r=−0.41). After adjustment in multivariate regression model gender, waist circumference, creatinine, AIx, LV global longitudinal strain relationship between E/e' and PAC was lost. E/e' was significantly associated only with female gender (β=0.64, p=0.0008). Also multivariate regression analysis showed significant association of LAVI with brachial systolic BP (β=0.41, p<0.0001), PWV (β=0.94, p<0.0001), and PAC (β=0.75, p<0.0001). Conclusion Brachial systolic BP, PWV and PAC were independently associated with LAVI in patients with uncomplicated AH and herewith LAVI was more dominantly influenced by increased arterial stiffness and plasma aldosterone.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsuyoshi Tabata ◽  
Kazuhiro Shimizu ◽  
Yukihiro Morinaga ◽  
Naoaki Tanji ◽  
Ruiko Yoshida ◽  
...  

Background: To investigate the relationship between arterial stiffness, reflected by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) value, and left atrial (LA) phasic function in hypertensive patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).Methods: We retrospectively studied 165 consecutive patients (mean age, 66.5 ± 11.7 years) diagnosed with hypertension with preserved LVEF who had undergone CAVI measurement and echocardiography on the same day. The latter included speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess LA phasic function (reservoir, conduit, and pump strain) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS).Results: The results of univariate analysis showed CAVI value to be correlated with LA reservoir strain and LA conduit strain (r = −0.387 and −0.448, respectively; both P &lt; 0.0001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed CAVI value to be independently related to age (β = 0.241, P = 0.002) and LA conduit strain (β = −0.386, P = 0.021) but not LV mass index, LA volume index, or LV systolic function (including LVGLS).Conclusion: In hypertensive patients with preserved LVEF, increased CAVI value appears to be independently associated with impaired LA phasic function (particularly LA conduit function) before LA and LV remodeling. CAVI determination to assess arterial stiffness may be useful in the early detection of interactions between cardiovascular abnormalities in hypertensive patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Kawakami ◽  
S Ramkumar ◽  
F Pathan ◽  
L Wright ◽  
T H Marwick

Abstract Background Although LV hypertrophy and dysfunction are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), AF often occurs in the absence of LV hypertrophy or reduced ejection fraction. The effect of subclinical LV dysfunction on AF has not been fully studied. Purpose We sought the association between subclinical LV dysfunction (measured with global longitudinal strain, GLS) and new-onset AF. Methods This observational study evaluated 531 consecutive patients (median age, 67 years [interquartile range, 56 to 78]; 56% male), without a history of AF who underwent strain echocardiography after cryptogenic stroke. The CHARGE-AF score was used to calculate the 5-year risk of developing AF. Standard echocardiographic parameters were measured, and speckle-tracking was used to measure LA (reservoir strain, pump strain, and conduit strain) and LV strain (GLS). A strain analysis was conducted using a dedicated software package, using R-R gating. The baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters of the patients who developed AF and those who did not were compared. Results Over 2.5 years of follow-up, 61 patients (11%) had new-onset AF. Patients who developed AF were older, had a higher CHARGE-AF score, larger LA volume, worse LA strain, and worse GLS than those who did not. Areas under the receiver-operating curve for GLS (0.84) was comparable to CHARGE-AF (0.79), LA pump strain (0.83), and LA reservoir strain (0.85). In the nested Cox models, GLS demonstrated an independent and incremental predictive value over the clinical and LA parameters (Figure). Moreover, adding GLS to the combined clinical and LA parameters model resulted in a significantly improved reclassification (net reclassification improvement, 0.32; p=0.016). Importantly, the predictive value of GLS was confirmed in patients with abnormal LA volumes (LA volume index≥34ml/m2) but not in patients with normal LA volumes. Figure 1 Conclusion GLS is associated with new-onset AF, especially in patients with abnormal LA volumes. This effect is independent of and incremental to the clinical and LA parameters.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Sorrentino ◽  
V Capone ◽  
L Esposito ◽  
F Lo Iudice ◽  
A M De Roberto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, risk stratification scores such as CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED allow the prediction of thromboembolic and bleeding risks, respectively. However, no risk score for the prediction of AF recurrence has been yet validated. Purpose To evaluate the mayor anthropometric and echocardiographic determinants of AF recurrence in non-valvular paroxysmal AF patients at 1 year follow-up. Methods Among 395 consecutive adult patients with non valvular AF enrolled in the Neapolitan Atrial Fibrillation (NeAfi) Echo registry, 177 (F/M = 87/90, age = 66.5± 11.9 years) had paroxismal AF and underwent 1-year follow-up. Fifteen patients had AF recurrence. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure (BP) were recorded and CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED scores were calculated. At baseline, patients underwent a comprehensive echo-Doppler exam, including quantification of left atrial (LA) size measurements, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish a mathematical model of the relationship between the variables and AF recurrence. The covariates for regression analysis were chosen as potential confounding factors based on their significance in independent T test analyses for continuous variables of chi-square for dichotomous variables, or on their biological plausibility. Results AF recurrence was higher in male than in female patients (14.4 vs 2.3%, p = 0.008). Patients with AF recurrence had similar body mass index, systolic and diastolic BP and heart rate compared to those without. The two groups were similar for LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, ejection fraction, LV mass index, diastolic indexes, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and GLS. LA diameter (p = 0.235) and PALS (p = 0.375) were also similar between the two groups, whereas LA volume index (LAVi) was greater in patients experiencing AF recurrence (45.5 ± 15.7 vs. 36.7 ± 10.4 ml/m², p = 0.003). Binomial multiple regression analysis model explained 25% (Nagelkerke R²) of the variance in AF recurrence and correctly classified 95.0% of cases. Males were 8.9 times more likely to exhibit AF recurrence than females (p = 0.04). Greater LAVi was associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting AF recurrence (OR = 1.07, p = 0.03), whereas CHA2DS2VASc &gt;1 in men and &gt;2 in women, HASBLED &gt;3 and greater LA diameter or lower PALS did not add significant information to the model. Conclusions Male gender and, with a lower extent, LAVi appear to be major determinants of AF recurrence in non-valvular paroxysmal AF. The quantification of PALS does not seem to add valuable information in the prediction of recurrent AF.


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