Strain rate evaluation of phasic atrial function in hypertension

Abstract

Background: Strain (SI) and strain rate (SR) measure regional myocardial deformation and may be a new technique to assess phasic atrial function. Objective: To examine the feasibility of using SI and SR to evaluate phasic atrial function in patients with mild hypertension (HT). Patients and methods: The study group comprised 54 patients with mild essential HT (29 women) and 80 age-matched normal controls (47 women). Standard two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was performed as well as Doppler tissue imaging. The following left atrial (LA) volumes were measured: (a) maximal LA volume or Vol max; (b) minimal LA volume or Volmin; (c) just before the "p" wave on ECG (Volp). Phasic LA vo..