Correlations between vegetative autonomic function and specific left atrial functions in healthy adults: Insights from the three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR‐Healthy Study

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionThe functioning of the left atrium (LA) is partly controlled by the neural system. It was purposed to evaluate correlations between the result of Ewing's 5 standard cardiovascular reflex tests (SCRTs) characterizing autonomic function and LA volumetric and functional features as assessed by three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) in healthy individuals.Materials and MethodsThe current study comprised 18 healthy volunteers being in sinus rhythm (mean age: 35 ± 12 years, 10 men). Measurement of blood pressure, ECG, 5 SCRTs, two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE were performed. These parameters were in normal ranges in all cases.ResultsFrom LA volumetric parameters, only systolic total atrial emptying fraction (r = 0.559, p = 0.037) and early diastolic passive atrial emptying fraction (r = 0.539, p = 0.047) correlated with systolic blood pressure response to standing representing sympathetic autonomic function. From LA strains, peak mean segmental LA radial strain (RS) (r = −0.532, p = 0.050), global and mean segmental LA circumferential strain (CS) (r = 0.662, p = 0.010 and r = 0.635, p = 0.015, respectively) representing systolic LA function correlated with Valsalva ratio representing parasympathetic autonomic function. Global LA‐RS (r = −0.713, p = 0.040) and LA‐CS (r = 0.657, p = 0.011) and mean segmental LA‐CS (r = 0.723, p = 0.003) at atrial contraction representing end‐diastolic atrial contraction showed correlations with Valsalva ratio, as well. Peak global and mean segmental LA‐CS (r = 0.532, p = 0.050 and r = 0.530, p = 0.050) and the same strains at atrial contraction (r = 0.704, p = 0.005 and r = 0.690, p = 0.006) representing systolic function and end‐diastolic atrial contraction correlated with systolic blood pressure response to standing representing both parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic functions.ConclusionsSignificant correlations between features of vegetative autonomic function represented by Ewing's 5 SCRTs and specific LA functions represented by 3DSTE‐derived LA volume‐based functional properties and strains could be demonstrated in healthy adults.