Left atrial function in young strength athletes: four-dimensional automatic quantitation study

Early detection of left atrial dysfunction in young hypertensive patients with a normal left atrial size: a comprehensive analysis using four-dimensional auto left atrial quantification echocardiography

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to detect early left atrial (LA) function abnormalities in young hypertensive patients with a normal two-dimensional LA volume index (2D-LAVI) using four-dimensional auto LA quantification technology (4D Auto LAQ) and to analyse correlations between LA strain parameters and clinical metabolic indicators.

METHODS

This study enrolled 70 young patients who underwent standard hypertension treatment or diagnosis at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, from October 2023 to July 2024 and 41 control volunteers enrolled during the same period. LA volume and strain parameters were evaluated with a 4D Auto LAQ. A correlation analysis was conducted between the clinical and strain parameters.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, young hypertensive patients presented significantly greater LA minimum volume (LAVmin), LA minimum volume index (LAVImin) and LA pre-atrial volume (LAVpreA) values (all p < 0.001). The LA ejection fraction (LAEF) was reduced in young hypertensive patients (57.85%±4.47% vs. 50.44%±5.96%, p < 0.001), along with LA reservoir longitudinal strain (25.00% [20.50-29.50%] vs. 20.00% [16.00-24.25%], p < 0.001), LA conduit longitudinal strain (-16.32%±4.19% vs. -11.37%±4.65%, p < 0.001), LA contraction longitudinal strain (-12.27%±2.85% vs. -9.60 ± 4.12, p < 0.001), LA reservoir circumferential strain (34.32%±6.90% vs. 28.41%±6.95%, p < 0.001), LA conduit circumferential strain (-17.90%±4.84% vs. -11.46%±4.96%, p < 0.001), and LA contraction circumferential strain (-18.54%±4.85% vs. -16.23%±6.11%, p < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG), and uric acid (UA) were negatively and independently correlated with LA longitudinal strain.

CONCLUSIONS

In young hypertensive patients with normal 2D-LAVI, while LAVmin, LAVImin and LAVpreA are elevated, the LAEF and LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction strain are notably reduced. The application of 4D Auto LAQ technology may highlight altered values in young hypertensive patients with normal 2D-LAVI. 4D Auto LAQ may serve as a valuable tool for clinicians in the early detection and assessment of LA dysfunction in young hypertensive patients.

Using preoperative four-dimensional automated left atrial quantification echocardiography to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery, and is associated with poor outcomes. Detecting left atrial (LA) subtle structural and functional abnormalities before surgery may help to identify patients at increased risk of POAF. This study aimed to investigate whether LA volume and strain parameters measured by four-dimensional automated LA quantification (4D auto LAQ) echocardiography are independent predictors of POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively enrolled in the study. All the patients underwent conventional and 4D auto LAQ echocardiography before surgery. The occurrence of POAF up to discharge was monitored. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the clinical and echocardiographic risk factors of POAF.

Results

In total, 128 patients were enrolled in the study. POAF occurred in 52 patients (40.6%), who formed the POAF group; the remaining 76 patients formed the no-POAF group. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) levels, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion during surgery, surgical approach, and the type of surgery (all P<0.05). The POAF group had a significantly higher left ventricle end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD; P=0.043), E/e' ratio (P<0.001), and LA size (all P<0.001), but had a lower LA ejection fraction (LAEF; P<0.001), and LA strains (all P<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, an age ≥52 years old [odds ratio (OR) =11.628; P<0.001], RBC transfusion during surgery (OR =8.084; P=0.005), valve surgery (OR =4.870; P=0.033), LA pre-systolic volume (LAVpreA) ≥65 mL (OR =3.779; P=0.034), |LA contraction longitudinal strain| (|LASct|) <10% (OR =6.290; P=0.017), and |LA contraction circumferential strain| (|LASct-c|) <8% (OR =6.915; P=0.003) were identified as six independent predictive factors of POAF. The area under the curve (AUC) value for the POAF prediction model that included the above six variables was 0.924 (P<0.001), which was significantly higher than the AUC values of the three commonly used models that only include clinical parameters [i.e., the POAF score, the CHA2DS2-VASc score, and the atrial fibrillation (AF) risk index], which had AUC values of 0.695, 0.568, and 0.508, respectively.

Conclusions

4D auto LAQ echocardiography is a novel, non-invasive tool for the analysis of LA structure and function in the preoperative setting of cardio surgery. The 4D auto LAQ parameters (including LAVpreA, LASct, and LASct-c), age, RBC transfusion, and valve surgery are independent predictors of the occurrence of POAF. The predictive model that includes the 4D auto LAQ parameters is more conducive to the risk stratification of POAF after cardiac surgery than traditional clinical models. However, our study had a small sample size, and lacked a validation group; thus, further studies need to be conducted to verify the efficacy and reliability of our predictive model in the future.

The athletes heart-from acute stimulus to chronic adaptation

INTRODUCTION

The complex phenomenon of the athlete's heart (AH) describes the chronic physiological structural and functional adaptation secondary to repeated exposure of an acute exercise stimulus.

SOURCES OF DATA

This narrative review is based on published evidence.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Highly trained athletic individuals frequently display cardiac parameters which are suggestive of an AH and can exceed the traditional 'normal' limits.

AREA OF CONTROVERSY

The physiological processes underpinning the extent of cardiac adaption and how this is closely linked to exercise type, but also sex, ethnicity, and body size.

GROWING POINTS

Since its seminal description by Morganroth and colleagues in 1975, our understanding of the AH has evolved in tandem with improvements in cardiac imaging techniques alongside the exploration of more diverse athletic populations. This narrative review aims to provide a balanced discussion of the multi-factorial nature of structure and function of the AH with specific reference to the unique physiological exercise stimuli.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Despite great interest in cardiac adaptations across a broad spectrum of athletic populations, future research designs should consider the use of new and novel imaging techniques to enhance our understanding of the acute cardiovascular responses which ultimately mediates such adaptations, especially in athletic populations underrepresented in the literature.

Evaluation of left atrial function and the relationship between left atrial stiffness index and exercise capacity in hypertension-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Objective

The left atrial stiffness index (LASI) holds significance in the atrioventricular coupling function and heart failure progression. To assess left atrial function and evaluate the relationship between LASI and exercise capacity in hypertension-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HT-HFpEF).

Methods

The study involved 62 healthy subjects and 163 patients with HT (112 patients in simple HT group and 51 patients in HT-HFpEF group). Each patient performed exercise stress test and standard ultrasonic images were evaluated. A comprehensive evaluation of atrioventricular function, along with investigation into the correlation between these functional parameters and exercise capacity. And further to investigate the feasibility of predicting exercise intolerance using three-dimensional derived left atrial strain index (LASI) (E/e'/LASr and E/e'/LASr-c).

Results

Compared to healthy subjects, HT group demonstrated the elevation in left atrial volume accompanied by decrease in strain value (P < 0.05). In HT-HFpEF group, further significant reductions were observed in both longitudinal (LASr) and circumferential strain (LASr-c, LASct-c) (P < 0.05). Univariate regression demonstrated that both E/e'/LASr and E/e'/LASr-c were significantly correlated with metabolic equivalents (METs) (r = -0.462, P < 0.001; r = -0.381, P < 0.001). The E/e'/LASr demonstrates comparable diagnostic efficacy to exercise-E/e' in assessing exercise intolerance in HT-HFpEF patients (AUC: 0.836 vs. 0.867, P = 0.239).

Conclusion

Progressive LA remodeling contributes to decreased atrioventricular compliance in HT and HT-HFpEF patients.E/e'/LASr serves as an independent indicator of exercise intolerance in patients with HT-HFpEF.

Investigation of left atrial mechanical function and left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters in athletes performing resistance exercise and combined exercise

Some individuals who go to fitness centers for various purposes perform resistance exercise (RE) alone, while others engage in combined exercise (CE) by including cardio exercises along with RE. Studying the effects of these two different training methods on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial mechanical function is an important step toward understanding the effects of different types of exercise on cardiac function. This knowledge has significant implications for public health, as it can inform the development of targeted and effective exercise programs that prioritize cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the LV systolic and diastolic parameters of athletes who engage in RE and CE using ECHO, to contribute to the growing body of literature on the cardiovascular effects of different types of exercise. Forty-two amateur athletes aged between 17 and 52 were included in our study. The participants consisted of the RE (n = 26) group who did only resistance exercise during the weekly exercise period, and the CE group (n = 16) who also did cardio exercise with resistance exercises. After determining sports age (year), weekly exercise frequency (day), and training volume (min) in addition to demographic information of RE and CE groups, left ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial functions were determined by ECHO. Findings from our study revealed that parameters including the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p = .008), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p = .020), stroke volume index (SV-I) (p = .048), conduit volume (CV-I) (p = .001), and aortic strain (AS) (p = .017) were notably higher in the RE group compared to the CE group. Also left atrial active emptying volüme (LAAEV) of CE was higher than the RE group (p = .031). In conclusion, the cardiac parameters of the RE group showed more athlete's heart characteristics than the CE group. These results may help to optimize the cardiovascular benefits of exercise routines while minimizing the potential risks associated with improper training.

Lower left atrial function in young individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared to healthy controls: an echocardiographic study

In adulthood, individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus may develop a condition of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, subclinical changes to the heart in diabetes are likely to occur prior to the clinical presentation. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare left atrial function by echocardiography between 43 individuals with type 1 diabetes and 43 healthy controls, aged 10-30 years. All participants underwent echocardiography and 2D speckle tracking measurements for left atrial phase function parameters. Physical capacity was assessed by exercise test on a bicycle. Results showed that participants with type 1 diabetes had significantly lower left atrial function parameters than healthy controls (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between HbA1c means and reservoir and conduit strain (p < 0.05) and individuals with BMI < 30 showed a lower left atrial stiffness (p < 0.05). Individuals with type 1 diabetes and a higher physical capacity did not differ from their healthy peers. Results indicate that lower HbA1c levels, BMI < 30 and a higher physical capacity are favourable in terms of left atrial function in children and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Left atrial strain by echocardiography might become a new important tool in assessing heart function in T1DM.

Assessment of left atrial function in patients with metabolic syndrome by four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantification

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at assessing the changes of left atrial (LA) volume and strain function in metabolic syndrome (MS) patients using four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantification (4D-LAQ) and exploring independent correlative factors for LA function.

METHODS

A total of 110 MS patients and 70 normal controls were selected and assigned into the MS group and the control group, respectively. Echocardiogram parameters were routinely examined and the thickness of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) were measured with a parasternal long axis of left ventricle(LV). The LA volume and strain parameters were determined using 4D-LAQ. The independent correlation factors for LA strain parameters in MS patients were investigated through linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, LA volume parameters were increased in the MS group, LA strain parameters and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) were decreased (all P < 0.05). EAT thickness is associated with LA reservoir longitudinal strain (LASr), conduit longitudinal strain (LAScd), reservoir circumferential strain (LASr-c), and conduit circumferential strain (LAScd-c) (all P < 0.05). LA contraction longitudinal (LASct) and circumferential strain (LASct-c) were not statistically significant. Regression analysis results show that systolic blood pressure (SBP) and triglyceride (TG) are independent correlative factors. Intra-observer and inter-observer repeatability test showed that the LA parameters examined by 4D-LAQ had good agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

4D-LAQ is capable of effectively assessing the LA function in MS patients and providing a useful reference for clinical diagnosis. SBP and TG serve as the independent correlative factors for LA function.

The insufficiency of recreational exercises in improving cardiovascular fitness: an investigation of ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial mechanical functions

AIM

This study aimed to compare the left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and left atrial (LA) mechanical functions of individuals engaging in recreational sports and resistance exercises on a weekly basis.

METHODS

A total of 43 male amateur athletes were included in this study, of which 24 performed resistance exercises (REs) (29.70 ± 8.74 year, weight: 81.70 ± 12.64 kg, height: 176.05 ± 7.73 cm, BMI: 27.64 ± 4.97 kg/m2), and 19 participated in recreational football training and were included in the recreational sports group (31.73 ± 6.82 year, weight: 86.00 ± 18.52 kg, height: 178.62 ± 4.95 cm, BMI: 25.55 ± 3.42 kg/m2). The exercises were standardized according to the weekly exercise frequency and volume. After recording the participants' demographic information, the LV systolic and diastolic parameters and LA mechanical functions were measured using echocardiography (ECHO) and Tissue Doppler Imaging.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in various cardiac parameters between the recreational sports group (REG) and resistance exercise Group (RSG). Specifically, the left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter, LV end diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), and stroke volume index were notably higher in the REG compared to the RSG (t = 2.804, p = .010, effect size (ES) = 2.10; t = 3.174, p = .003, ES = 0.98; t = 3.36, p = .002, ES = 1.02, respectively). Notably, the RSG exhibited higher values for LV mass index (LVMi) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) than the REG (t = 2.843, p = .007, ES = 0.87; t = 2.517, p = .016, ES = 0.76) in terms of LV systolic and diastolic parameters. Regarding left atrial (LA) mechanics, the REG demonstrated increased LA total emptying volume index, LA maximum volume index, LA volume before systole measured at the onset of the p-wave index, and conduit volume index compared to RSG (t = 2.419, p = .020, ES = 0.75; t = 2.669, p = .011, ES = 0.81; t = 2.111, p = .041, ES = 0.64; t = 2.757, p = .009, ES = 0.84, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed significant variations in LV and LA functions between REG and RSG. Our data suggest that REs led to substantial cardiac remodeling, altering myocardial structure and function. In contrast, the effect of recreational exercise on cardiac adaptation was less pronounced than that of resistance exercise. Consequently, we propose that individuals engaging in recreational exercise should consider modalities that impose higher cardiovascular demand for more effective cardiac conditioning.