LEFT-VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION - A LEADING SYMPTOM OF DISTURBED CARDIOHEMODYNAMICS IN SOME PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION

Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle was revealed by M-mode ech ocardiography in 35 persons (mean age 60.1+/-1.0 years) or in 22% of a ll studied patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Main criteria of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction were low ejection fraction and increased left atrial index combined with reduced left atrial volu me. Comparison of echocardiographic data obtained in patients with par oxysmal atrial fibrillation after restoration of sinus rhythm and in h ealthy persons of the same age showed that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction during attacks of atrial fibrillation was more often obser ved in those patients who had pronounced myocardial hypertrophy and si gns of disturbed diastolic function during periods of sinus rhythm.