Abstract 15668: Diffuse Interstitial Myocardial Fibrosis is Associated With Abnormal Left Atrial Mechanics in Hypertension

Background: Varying degrees of myocardial fibrosis may accompany LV remodeling associated with pressure overload. However, the correlates of diffuse myocardial fibrosis are poorly understood. Given the role of ECV on left ventricular diastolic compliance, we hypothesized that ECV is associated with abnormal atrial mechanics in hypertension. Methods: We studied 151 subjects with hypertension. ECV was measured with myocardial T1 mapping before and after the administration of gadolinium, in a mid-ventricular short axis plane. Longitudinal atrial mechanics were measured with SSFP MRI, from the 4-chamber and 2-chamber views, using tissue tracking (CVI42; Circle CV Imaging; Calgary, Canada). Results: In models that adjusted for demographics, body size, blood pressure, the presence of heart failure, diabetes and medication use, ECV was independently predictive of a poorer reservoir, conduit and booster pump function (Table). Conclusions: ECV is independently associated atrial dysfunction in hypertension. Diffuse myocardial fibrosis play a role in the development of atrial arrhythmias and/or HFpEF in hypertensive subjects.