The Relationships between Atrial Electromechanical Delay and CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Patients Diagnosed with Paroxysmal AF

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) times and CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).

Materials and methods: The study included a total of 74 patients, 34 of whom were diagnosed with PAF and 40 were included in the control group. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated for each patient. Additionally, blood samples were taken from all patients and transthoracic echocardiographic measurements were made. Left atrial mechanical functions and AEMD were calculated.

Results: Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score measured was 2.24 ± 1.53 in PAF group. There was no significant difference between the groups when the patients were evaluated for baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters (P > 0.05) The echocardiographic evaluation of LA mechanical functions showed that only LA minimum volume (19 ± 6.4 vs. 16.7 ± 4.6, P = 0.02) and LA presystolic volume (28.9 ± 7 vs. 25.1 ± 5.7, P = 0.01) were higher in the PAF group. When AEMD was compared between the groups; lateral PA, septal PA, tricuspid PA, Interatrial EMD, and intraatrial EMD were significantly extended compared to control group (P < 0.001) CHA2DS2-VASc score was correlated with Lateral atrial PA (P < 0.001, r = 0.524), Septal atrial PA (P < 0.001, r = 0.45), Interatrial EMD (P < 0.001, r = 0.54), and intraatrial EMD (P < 0.001, r = 0.51) times.

Conclusion: The present study shows that AEMD times increase in patients with PAF compared to the control group. Furthermore, this study revealed a correlation between AEMD times and CHA2DS2-VASc score, as well showed that extended AEMD time may be associated with thromboembolism risk.