Importantly, observational studies including 6,657
patients without baseline histories of atrial fibrillation and
significant valvular heart disease have shown that LA
volume index 34 mL/m2 is an independent predictor of
death, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and ischemic
stroke.12 However, one must recognize that dilated left
atria may be seen in patients with bradycardia and
4-chamber enlargement, anemia and other high-output
states, atrial flutter or fibrillation, and significant mitral
valve disease, in the absence of diastolic dysfunction. Likewise,
it is often present in elite athletes in the absence of
cardiovascular disease (Figure 2).Therefore, it is important
to consider LA volume measurements in conjunction with a
patient’s clinical status, other chambers’
whereas LA volume often reflects the cumulative
effects of filling pressures over time.