Comparison of LA strain levels in patients with heart failure with decreased EF and normal and evaluation of its role in determining left ventricular filling pressure

Abstract

Heart failure is one of the common causes of death in developed societies and the non-invasive assessment of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in patients presenting with symptoms of dyspnea and LV diastolic dysfunction is very important. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine LA strain values in LV diastolic dysfunction patients and its role in determining LVFP. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 patients with LV diastolic dysfunction who were candidates for non-emergency coronary angiography, referring to Shahid Madani Hospital in Tabriz, and based on the EF percentage, they were divided into two groups: EF equal to and greater than 50% (n=45) and EF less than 50% (n=80). LAS was measured in patients and the information obtained from it was compared with LVEDP pressure values. Results. The obtained results showed that the average percentage of LA-reservoir and LA-booster was statistically significantly higher in preserved EF group (P=0.008 and P=0.009, respectively). The mean value of LA-reservoir and LA-booster was significantly higher in patients with LVEDP less than 20 mmHg (P=0.007 and P=0.019, respectively). The average LAS-reservior cut-off of less than 12.4% can also determine LVEDP equal to or higher than 20 mmHg significantly with a sensitivity of 83.7% and a specificity of 65% (AUC=0.707 and P=0.002).