Novel LA Staging Framework Stratifies NOAF Risk in HCM

A novel left atrium (LA) staging framework proposed by Jaehyun Lim, MD, PhD , et al., was independently associated with a significant, stepwise increase in risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), providing incremental predictive value beyond established atrial fibrillation (AFib) risk models, and may help tailor AFib surveillance strategies for these patients.

In the multicenter, retrospective study, published Sept. 9 in JACC , Lim and colleagues screened 705 eligible patients (mean age, 58 years; 30% women) with HCM and normal left ventricular systolic function. Mean LVEF was 69%, 18% had an obstructive phenotype, 41% had increased LA pressure and 15% had decreased LA contractile function.