Left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective. To study the features of the impact of atrial fibrillation on left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients. Design and methods. We examined three groups of patients: hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation, hypertensive patients with sinus rhythm and patients with idiopathic form of atrial fibrillation. All patients underwent cardiac ultrasound examination (Vivid 7 Dimension, General Electric). Results. The integral of blood flow linear velocity (VTI), period of pressure gradient half decrease (PHT) between left chambers of heart and time of transmitral blood flow (TE) were greater in patients of second and third groups compared to first group. They did not differ in second and third groups. The time of isovolumic relaxation (IVRT) was 0,102 ± 0,015; 0,091 ± 0,012 and 0,073 ± 0,013 seconds in first, second and third groups, respectively. The differences between all groups are significant (p = 0,001). The mean values of maximal (Vmax) and middle velocity (VMN), maximal (Gmax) and middle (GMN) pressure gradient between left heart chambers did not differ between groups. Conclusion. Atrial fibrillation contributes the development of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: it reduces VTI, decelerates IVRT and shortens PHT significantly.