European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Left atrial enlargement (LAE) has been proven to be significantly related to stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown a link between Left atrial enlargement (LAE) with the increase in the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Bangladeshi data is lacking on the exact prevalence of LAE. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence of LAE and its associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: Hundred patients having were studied in the Department of Vascular Surgery, Bangabandu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), and Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2020 to December 2020. After a complete physical examination, echocardiogram was performed in all the patients. In present study LAE is defined if the LA diameter is more than 4.0 cm in men and 3.8 cm in women. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for LAE. Results: Prevalence of LAE was 8%. The prevalence of LAE was higher in men (9.37%). On multivariable logistic regression analysis advancing age (OD;1.034), increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR: 2.862), increased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR: 1.32), abnormally high BMI (OR: 3.721), increased prevalence of diabetes (OR: 1.245), increased left ventricular myocardial index (LVMI) (OR: 1.023), and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), decreased heart rate (HR), and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were found to be the major risk factors of LAE. Conclusion: A significant number of patients had LAE. Among the risk factors advancing age, increased SBP, increased BMI, presence of diabetes mellitus, increased LVMI, decreased eGFR, decreased LVEF, and decreased HR were more common.