Diastolic dysfunction and left atrial volume

Objectives We examined the association between diastolic function and left atrial volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi) in a population-based study. Background Atrial enlargement has been suggested as a marker of the severity and duration of diastolic dysfunction (DD). However, the association between DD and atrial enlargement and their individual prognostic implications in the population is poorly defined. Methods A cross-sectional sample of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents > or =45 years of age (n=2,042) underwent comprehensive Doppler echocardiography and medical record review. Results The LAVi increased with worsening DD: 23 +/- 6 ml/m2 (normal), 25 +/- 8 ml/m2 (grade I DD), 31 +/- 8 ml/m2 (grade II DD), 48 +/- 12 ml/m2 (grades III to IV DD). In bivariate…