Abstract

DESCHLE, Héctor A et al. Left Atrial Volume Indexed to Body Surface Area in Normal Subjects Divided by Gender and Age. Rev. argent. cardiol. [online]. 2010, vol.78, n.1, pp.39-42. ISSN 1850-3748.

Background Left atrial (LA) size has been associated with cardiovascular events in elder patients without previous heart disease. The values considered normal in adults are often taken from foreign publications which have dissimilar values and do not include values separated by age, so the impact that aging would have on left atrial size is unclear, making them hardly applicable to the general population. Objectives To evaluate the modifications in the left atrial volume index in healthy subjects from our environment divided by gender and age. Material and Methods Between 2007 and 2008, 725 asymptomatic patients with no history of heart disease, diabetes or relevant clinical conditions were included. Male gender: 325. Patients were divided in age groups: a) <34 years; b) 35 to 44; c) 45 to 54; d) 55 to 64; e) >65 years. Left atrial size was calculated according to the formula: 8/3 π [(A1)(A2)/(L)] (A1 = area in apical 4 chamber view; A2 = area in the apical 2 chamber view; L = the shorter length of the LA in both views). Mosteller formula was used to calculate body surface area. Results Left atrial volume index was significantly higher in men >64 years (32.89±5.93 cm³/m²) compared to the first three age groups (p<0.01; 95% CI 3.13-10.57, 1.83-9.38 and 2.43- 9.95, respectively). There were no significant differences among the female groups. Conclusion Left atrial volume is significantly higher in men >64 years.

Keywords : Echocardiography; Normal Values; Aging.

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