Can Left Atrial Strain Measurements, and Correlating Changes in Left Atrium Area and Volume Size, be Used as an Early Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation?

Detailed Summary

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm. This occurs as the chambers of the heart pump irregularly, often resulting in a fast heart rate and symptoms of irregular pounding and fluttering. There are many risk factors predisposing to AF, however, the cause cannot always be easily determined. Additionally, not all AF patients experience symptoms and consequently, this abnormal rhythm may go undetected and may be discovered accidentally. This is detrimental to patients, as untreated AF patients are at an increased risk of stroke. Patients that are suspected of having AF are referred for an ultrasound scan of the heart (echocardiogram). It is expected to see structural changes to the heart's chambers. However, structural and electrical changes of the heart may be the cause of AF but may also be a result of AF, resulting in a chicken and egg situation. It may be possible that a different type of measurement can be used during an echocardiogram to detect subtle changes in heart muscle patterns. This measurement may then serve to be an early predictor of AF. This would be determined by comparing the patterns in patients with a normal, regular rhythm to those with AF. Potential candidates are initially screened based on their echocardiogram referral. If deemed suitable for this study, the study process is explained to the patient and written informed consent is invited and received. The echocardiogram will be performed as normal with a focus on the area and volume measurements taken of one of the top chambers of the heart. An additional measurement will be taken to observe any subtle changes in the arrangement of heart cells within this same heart chamber. These measurements can be compared to each other to establish any relationship as well as compared to patients with and without AF.

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