Association Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue, Left Atrial Strain and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Hypertension Using CMR

Motivation: The study was designed to assess whether the LA strain had a potential mediation effect on the association between EAT and new-onset AF in hypertension. Goal(s): To investigate the relationship between EAT thickness, LA strain, and new-onset AF in patients with essential hypertension and preserved LVEF. Approach: 251 hypertensive patients were consecutively enrolled and CMR-derived quantitative parameters were assessed. Results: Increased EAT thickness and decreased LA strain were independently associated with new-onset AF, with εs and εa might partially mediating the effect of thickened EAT on the increased risk of new-onset AF. Impact: LA strain and EAT thickness parameters can sensitively detect LA dysfunction and epicardial fat deposition in hypertensive patients with new-onset AF, demonstrating great potential in prognosis of new-onset AF. Further study is needed to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.