Early Detection of Left Atrial Dysfunction by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Hypertensive Patients with Normal Left Atrial Size

Abstract

Background: Arterial hypertension adversely affects LA size and function, effect on function may precede effect on size. This effect is reflected on patient’s morbidity and mortality risks. Many techniques were used to assess LA function but with many pitfalls. The objectives: early detection of left atrial dysfunction with speckle tracking echocardiography in hypertensive patients with normal left atrial size. Patients And Methods: The study was conducted on 50 hypertensive patients and 50 age matched normotensive controls , all with normal LA size and free from any other cardiovascular disease that may affect the LA size or function. They were all subjected to history taking, clinical examination and echocardiographic study, both the conventional measures and speckle tracking then both groups were compared regarding LA strain representing LA function. Results: Our study found that hypertensive patients had significantly reduced LA function as measured by speckle tracking when compared to normotensive controls (P-value < 0.001). Also, many factors were associated with worse LA function in hypertensive patients as old age, high BMI, DM, LV diastolic dysfunction, high LV mass index, larger LA size, lower LA expansion index and higher systolic BP. Conclusion: Speckle tracking echocardiography is a useful novel technique in detecting LA dysfunction in hypertension even before LA enlargement occurs.