Increased Left Atrial Volume Index is an Independent Predictor of Raised Serum Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Suspected Heart Failure but Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: Implication for Diagnosis of Diastolic Heart Failure

Abstract

This data confirms that LAVI on resting echocardiography, specifically in patients with suspected HF and normal LV systolic function is a powerful independent predictor of LV diastolic dysfunction as predicted by serum NTproBNP. In a population with a high suspicion of diastolic heart failure, LAVI may significantly contribute to diagnostic precision.