Determinants of atrial fibrillation development in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Predictors of the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) have not been extensively studied, although, in these patients, AF contributes to the exacerbation of symptoms and the development of heart failure. The present study determined the role of left atrial (LA) function in the development of AF in patients who have HC. One hundred fifty consecutive patients who had HC, had no history of AF, and who were followed for 5.2 +/- 2.9 years constituted the study population. Using M-mode echocardiography, we measured LA function as global LA fractional shortening and LA diameter. LA volume was measured from 2-dimensional 4-chamber views by the method of disks. During follow-up, 20 patients developed AF. LA function was an independent predictor of AF (odds ratio 0.716, p = <0.001), whereas LA diameter and volume were predictors in addition to age. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that LA dysfunction carried a high risk of AF. Thus, in patients who have HC, LA function is a strong predictor of AF development and is independent of age.