Right atrial myocardial deformation by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography predicts recurrence in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a bi-atrial disease yet little attention has been given to right heart function in AF. We propose that the assessment of right atrial (RA) and right ventricular function (RV) using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) could be valuable in predicting AF recurrence in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF). METHODS: Thirty patients with PAF were prospectively recruited from a dedicated AF clinic. Right atrial size, volume, and area and RV dimensions were analyzed along with RA and RV strain derived from 2D-STE at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Higher RA booster strain independently predicted sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance for up to 1 year (P = 0.001). RV strain was impaired in patients with recurrent AF compared to those in SR (P < 0.05) but did not predict AF recurrence. Two-dimensional STE for RA and RV function was simple to perform with excellent reproducibility (adjusted R 2 0.92-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Two-dimensional STE is useful and highly reproducible in assessing right heart function in AF patients. RA booster strain function was predictive of sinus rhythm maintenance for up to 1 year

Both psychological factors and physical performance are associated with fall-related concerns

BackgroundFall-related concern strongly correlates to activity avoidance in older people. In this complex phenomenon, different terminology and instruments are often used interchangeably. Three main concepts make up fall-related concerns: fear-of-falling, consequence concern, and falls self-efficacy. It is suggested that fall-related concerns are mediated by psychological and physical factors.AimsOur aims were to describe the prevalence of fall-related concerns and find explanatory factors for its most studied concept – falls self-efficacy – in an older population.MethodsWe executed a cross sectional study on a random sample of 153 community dwelling older people (70 years or older). We used validated and reliable instruments as well as structured interviews to gather data on the three concepts of fall-related concerns and possible mediating factors. We then calculated descriptive statistics on prevalence and regression models for the total group, and men and women separately.Results70% of the total sample (80% of women and 53% of men) reported at least one of the three concepts of fall-related concern. For the total sample, fear-of-falling, morale and physical performance were associated factors with falls self-efficacy. For women, number of prescription medications was added. For men, physical performance and concerns for injury were associated.ConclusionFall-related concern is prevalent in large proportions with higher prevalence for women than for men. Important factors are fear of falling, morale, and physical performance. Gender differences in the emergence and variance of fall-related concern and the relation between physical performance and fall-related concern should be targeted in future research endeavors.</p