Left atrial stiffness as a novel echocardiographic parameter of atrial dysfunction in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A two-dimensional speckle-tracking study

LASt, measured by STE, provides a sensitive, load-inclusive index of LA mechanical dysfunction in cats with HCM and may detect atrial remodeling earlier than strain alone. Its strong association with established markers of diastolic impairment supports its potential clinical utility for identifying subclinical atrial dysfunction. Larger longitudinal studies are warranted to validate LASt as a prognostic biomarker and to define clinically relevant thresholds for disease staging and monitoring.