Chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) in the elderly: echocardiogram evaluation of left ventricle
Keywords:
arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, Aged, echocardiography, heart ventricle.Abstract
The objective of this paper was to analyze the structure of left ventricle (LV) and its relationship with CAF, through the study of 20 patients (11 males) with age > 60 years and CAF. The method applied was M-mode echocardiogram in double-blind clinical trial. Patients were compared in two studies: I. groups A and B respectively with and without cardiomegaly (LV mass < 215g) and II. groups C and D respectively without and with left atrium increase (LA > 40mm). Results showed that, according to study I, the size of LA is statistically the same with LV mass = 169.63±32.28g and LA=49.16±8.10mm for group A; and LV mass= 285.35±58.75 and LA = 46.71 ±7.71mm for group B. Study II showed that the L V mass has the same statistical value, with LA =39. 71 ±2. 87 and LV mass = 253.97±60.85 for group C; and LA =51. 61 ±6.00 and LV mass = 254.50±85.36 for group D. This investigation suggested that the restrictive component of LV can be the causal factor of CAT genesis and its persistence.
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References
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