Longitudinal strain of the left atrium as an early marker of left atrial dysfunction in hypertensive patients with preserved ejection fraction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsalud/e81016Keywords:
systemic arterial hypertension, left atrium, atrial peak longitudinal strain;, diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricleAbstract
Introduction. Given the advances in echocardiographic techniques that allow a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac function, particularly diastolic function, the current importance of the left atrium (LA) deserves special emphasis. Since the LA plays a key role in maintaining cardiac output and undergoes early functional and structural changes, it occupies a critical position in preserving the systolic functionality of the left ventricle (LV). Objective. To determine the early signs of left atrial dysfunction by peak longitudinal strain in patients with systemic arterial hypertension. Materials and Methods. Descriptive study with an analytical component, observational, cross-sectional design. Results. One hundred patients with arterial hypertension and preserved LV ejection fraction were included, with a mean age of 58±13 years, 55% female. The most prevalent additional risk factors were dyslipidemia (80%), followed by overweight and obesity (59%). Patients with diastolic dysfunction (74%) showed a significant reduction in peak longitudinal strain of the LA (p <0.0001). Conclusion. Peak atrial longitudinal strain is a useful tool for the early assessment of left atrial dysfunction and has a significant direct relationship with LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with systemic arterial hypertension and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Alberto J. Morán Salinas, Javier Fernando Canata; Christian O. Chávez; Alfredo J. Meza, Rocío del Pilar Falcón, Laura B. García, Orlando R. Sequeira, Karina E. Scavenius, Judith M. Torales, Osmar Antonio Centurión
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