2D ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF LEFT ATRIAL DIMENSIONS AND LEFT VENTRICULAR FILLING PRESSURES IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION – AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. AF prevalence increases with age and is often linked to underlying conditions such as hypertension, heart failure and valvular disease.2D echocardiography (2D Echo) offers insights into atrial size, ventricular function, and structural abnormalities such as valvular disease and left heart dimensions. Aim: To analyze the echocardiographic assessment of left atrial dimensions and left ventricular filling pressure in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Materials And Methods: This is a descriptive observational study to analyze echocardiographic assessment of left atrial dimensions and left ventricular filling pressure in patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The study was conducted in a tertiary care centre from June 2024 to December 2024. Over 7 months, 102 patients diagnosed with AF were analyzed. Results: The majority of patients diagnosed with AF were in the 61-80 age group, comprising 59 individuals (57.84%). Common observations include concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and hypertension, which were observed in 43 and 76 patients respectively. Left atrial (LA) dimensions revealed an average size of 4.71 ± 0.15 cm in males and 4.36 ± 0.11 cm in females. Out of 102 patients, 70 (68%) patients were categorized as having moderate LAVI (left atrial volume index) and LA enlargement which included 28 males and 42 females. LAVI measured 45.035±1.45 cm in males and 43.42±0.91 cm in females. Filling pressure during atrial fibrillation measured by E/e' was found to be 13.84 ± 2.35cm in males and 13.78 ± 2.28 cm in females. Additionally, PAH pressure was 45.8± 11.27 mmHg in males and 53.28± 15.20 mmHg in females. Among heart diseases, CAD was the most prevalent affecting 42 patients (41%). Conclusion: The 2D echocardiographic evaluation of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is critical for therapeutic decision-making and prognosis. This study aimed to collect information on left atrial (LA) enlargement, left atrial volume index (LAVI), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), pulmonary artery pressures and LV filling pressure in AF patients. Our study revealed AF patients had higher LA volume, LVH, higher PAH, and increased filling pressure consistent with existing literature.