Arterial stiffness, body fat compartments, central hemodynamics, renal function and left atrial size

Abstract

Background. Left atrial (LA) size is an important predictor of stroke, death, and atrial fibrillation. It was demonstrated recently that body fat, arterial stiffness and renal functions are associated with LA diameter. However, data are lacking for comprehensive assessments of all these risk factors in a single population. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between LA size and different fat descriptors, central hemodynamics, arterial stiffness, and renal function in healthy subjects. Methods. To this end, body fat percentage, abdominal, subcutaneous fat, and general descriptors of body fat were estimated in 162 healthy subjects (mean age 51 years). Echocardiography was performed to assess LA diameter. Arterial stiffness and peripheral and central hemodynamics were estimated by digital volume pulse analysis and pulse wave analysis. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated by MDRD formula. Results. There were significant (p < 0.05) bivariate correlations between LA diameter and all descriptors of body fat (except subcutaneous fat). Arterial stiffness and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were also significantly correlated with LA size. Multiple regression analysis including all significant confounders, such as sex, mean arterial pressure, arterial stiffness, eGFR and body fat descriptors, explained 35% of variance in LA diameter. Conclusions. In conclusion, the present study reveals significant, independent relationships between body fat, arterial stiffness, and LA size.

Key Words::

• Left atrium
• body fat
• arterial stiffness
• central hemodynamics
• renal function

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This project was supported in part by NCN (National Science Center) grant DEC-2011/03/B/NZ7/06241 and the Foundation for Polish Science-TEAM program co-financed by the European Union within the European Regional Development Fund.