Effects of blood pressure and heart rate circadian rhythms on left atrial function

J Hypertens. 2021 Nov 1;39(11):2318-2324. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000002923.

Abstract

Objective: We examined the associations among the circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and left atrial function in essential hypertensive patients.

Methods: The study included 237 essential hypertensive patients who completed 24-h ambulatory BP, HR monitoring and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE). The strain and strain rate images were studied, and the following parameters were measured: left atrial reservoir strain and strain rate (LAS-S and LASR-S), left atrial conduit strain and strain rate (LAS-E and LASR-E), and left atrial booster strain and strain rate (LAS-A and LASR-A). The left atrial stiffness index (LASI) was identified as the ratio of E/e' to LAS-S. All participants were divided into three groups according to the percentage of nocturnal BP dipping (dippers, nondippers and reverse dippers).

Results: The LASI was significantly higher in BP reverse dippers than in dippers and nondippers. LAS-S, LAS-E and LASR-E were significantly lower in BP reverse dippers than dippers and nondippers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, night-time mean SBP and the percentage of nocturnal HR decline were independently related to an increased LASI.

Conclusion: Impairment of the left atrial reservoir and conduit functions was correlated with abnormal BP and HR circadian rhythms in hypertension. Increased left atrial stiffness was associated with night-time SBP and the percentage of nocturnal HR decline.

MeSH terms

  • Atrial Function, Left*
  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Hypertension*