Prognosis of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure by means of echocardiography
Left atrium anatomy and function assessment by means of routine echocardiography allow investigators to perform prognosis on atrial fibrillation development in patients with chronic heart failure, 84 patients aged from 60 to 88 were included in the study. By means of atrial volume formula V=8A <sub>4</sub>A <sub>2</sub> /3-n -L data on minimal, maximal and P-volume were obtained as well as data on left atrial function. Indices appeared statistically significant were analyzed and a formula for prediction of atrial fibrillation was obtained. Left atrial function is worse prior to the onset of atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic heart failure. The utility of these indices for prediction of the onset of new AF should be explored further as this may allow efficient targeting of potential prophylactic therapies. Key words: echocardiography, left atrium, atrial fibrillation, heart failure.