Lifantyeva N. Dynamics of myocardial structure and function in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation

The aim of investigation was to estimate changes of myocardial structure and function in patients with persistent and permanent AF, to estimate instrumental criteria of AF course and treatment efficacy. Most informative parameters of systolic and diastolic function of LV have been established. Favorable changes of LV systolic function at target heart rate achievement didn’t depend on initial LV ejection fraction. At the same time, improvement of LV diastolic filling after restoration of sinus rhythm was more significant in patients without initial LV systolic dysfunction. Decrease of atrial and ventricular dimensions after restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with persistent AF depended on duration of AF episode. Idiopathic AF was accompanied by dilatation and dysfunction of both atria and disturbances of ventricular diastolic filling. Improvement of LV diastolic filling parameters in patients with idiopathic AF in 8 months after restoration of sinus rhythm was more significant than under target heart rate achievement in patients with AF.