Atrial fibrillation is common, often silent, and can be difficult to detect. The left atrium has an important role in modulating left ventricular filling and is an important biomarker of cardiovascular disease and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. While previously left atrial (LA) size was utilised, the role of LA function as a biomarker is increasingly being evaluated, both independently and also in combination with LA size. Strain analysis has been utilised for evaluation of LA function and can be measured throughout the cardiac cycle, thereby enabling the evaluation of LA reservoir, conduit and contractile function. Strain evaluates myocardial deformation while strain rate examines the rate of change in strain. Aims: We aimed to evaluate whether echocardiographic assessment of LA anatomy and function is able to identify patients with arrhythmia. Conclusion: Anatomical and functional LA remodelling assessed by echocardiography is independently and strongly associated with AF, suggesting that these parameters can help identify AF

Left atrial strain, left atrial function, strain echocardiography