Determinants of Left Atrial Size in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Wen Wei, Rao Jiahuan, Wang Ying and Chen Haibo*
This study examined 251 hypertensive patients to identify the factors influencing left atrial size. Duration of hypertension, age, left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were significant predictors (P < 0.05), whereas CAD (Coronary Heart Disease) and hypertension grade were not (P > 0.05). Early intervention in these factors may improve the cardiovascular outcomes.
Background: Hypertension is a common health issue in China that affects a large proportion of the population. The adverse effects of hypertension on cardiac target organs, particularly through changes in the left atrial size, have been widely recognized. Left atrial enlargement is closely associated with multiple cardiovascular complications, including heart failure and stroke. Therefore, identifying the factors influencing left atrial size is crucial for early intervention and improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension.
Objective: To investigate the factors related of left atrial size in hypertensive patients.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 251 hypertensive patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen between August 2023 and September 2024. The factors examined included age, sex, duration of hypertension, hypertension grade, coronary artery disease (CAD), left ventricular (or septal) hypertrophy, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation (AF). A multivariate linear regression model was used to assess the correlations with left atrial size.
Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that left atrial size was significantly correlated with the duration of hypertension, age, left ventricular (or septal) hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found with coronary artery disease (P > 0.05) or hypertension grade (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The duration of hypertension, age, left ventricular (or septal) hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction are significant predictors of left atrial size in hypertensive patients. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention and management of these factors to improve cardiovascular outcomes.