Logo Medical Science Monitor

Call: +1.631.470.9640
Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 02:00 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor

01 September 2004

The association of chronic atrial fibrillation with right atrial dilatation and left ventricular dysfunction in the elderly

Han B. Xiao, Syed A.H. Rizvi, Daniel McCrea, Brian Kaufman

Med Sci Monit 2004; 10(9): CR516-520 :: ID: 11753

Abstract

Background:Left atrial dilatation is often considered as one of the important causes for atrial fibrillation. In this study we sought to examine the relationship between right atrial dilatation and left ventricular function in patients with atrial fibrillation, and the association with the documented duration of the dysrrhythmia.Material/Methods:56 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation were investigated by means of clinical history, electrocardiography and echocardiography.Results:Right atrial dilatation was found in 34, left atrial dilatation in 36 and bi-atrial dilatation in 31 patients. Patients with a dilated right atrium had a larger left atrium, lower left ventricular shortening fraction, and higher transmitral flow velocity than those with a normal right atrium. A history of atrial fibrillation of over 6 months was associated with enlarged atria, reduced left ventricular shortening fraction and increased transmitral flow compared to that of 3 months or less. Functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation were only found in patients whose atrial fibrillation was over 6 months in duration.Conclusions:Dilatation of both right and left atria is common in chronic atrial fibrillation, and is associated with impaired left ventricular function. A longer duration of atrial fibrillation predisposes to atrial dilatation, left ventricular dysfunction, and functional atrio-ventricular regurgitation. These findings suggest that atrial fibrillation may have a significant contribution to morphological and functional cardiac changes, and raise the possibilities that early cardioversion or adequate rate control might prevent these changes and may improve prognosis in the elderly.

Keywords: Aged, 80 and over, Atrial Fibrillation, Dilatation, Pathologic, Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed, Electrocardiography, Heart Atria - pathology, Heart Atria - physiopathology, Ventricular Dysfunction, Left, Aged, 80 and over, Atrial Fibrillation, Dilatation, Pathologic, Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed, Electrocardiography, Heart Atria - physiopathology, Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Add Comment 0 Comments

Editorial

01 December 2024 : Editorial  

Editorial: The 2024 Revision of the Declaration of Helsinki and its Continued Role as a Code of Ethics to Guide Medical Research

Dinah V. Parums

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.947428

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e947428

0:00

In Press

Clinical Research  

Impact of Clear Aligners vs Conventional Brackets on Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels: A Case-Control Study

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946419  

Animal Research  

Accuracy of 3 Intraoral Scanners in Recording Impressions for Full Arch Dental Implant-Supported Prosthesis...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946624  

Clinical Research  

Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Study of the 2022 Outbreak in Turkey

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946033  

Clinical Research  

Evaluating Lipiodol Efficacy in Proximal Tubal Occlusion Treatment: Single-Center Experience and Literature...

Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946266  

Most Viewed Current Articles

17 Jan 2024 : Review article   6,956,683

Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron Variant

DOI :10.12659/MSM.942799

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799

0:00

14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research   1,969,025

Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase Levels

DOI :10.12659/MSM.937990

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990

0:00

16 May 2023 : Clinical Research   696,876

Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387

Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387

0:00

07 Jan 2022 : Meta-Analysis   262,934

Efficacy and Safety of Light Therapy as a Home Treatment for Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson Dise...

DOI :10.12659/MSM.935074

Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935074

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750
Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750