Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to establish echocardiographic predictors of AF in middle-aged patients without overt heart disease. Methods: Prospective consecutive patients with AF (n= 936), who had been admitted for sinus rhythm restoration in our hospital for the period January 2016- December 2018, were screened for participation in the study. A total of 70 patients met the inclusion criteria: stable sinus rhythm, age between 40-60 years, no overt heart disease. They were separated in two groups: new onset AF (n=33) and Paroxysmal AF (n=37); 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in the control group. All patients underwent 2DE assessment with volumetric and speckle tracking analyses. Results: There were significant differences between all groups in LA structural and functional echocardiographic indices as follows: LA indexed volumes; LA total, passive and active emptying fractions; LA reservoir; conduit and contractile strain and strain rate; LA expansion and stiffness index. Also there were significant differences between all groups in LV mass, LV global longitudinal strain and E/Em ratio from transmitral flow and TDI of medial mitral annulus. Conclusion: In middle- aged patients without overt heart disease LA reservoir and contractile strain can have additive value to LA volume index in the prediction of AF