Evolving Applications of Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Left Atrial and Right Ventricular Strain

Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) can assess myocardial motion in non-LV chambers—including assessment of left atrial (LA) and right ventricular (RV) strain. This review seeks to highlight the diagnostic, prognostic, and clinical significance of these parameters in heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF), diastolic dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension (PH), tricuspid regurgitation, and heart transplant recipients.

Impaired LA strain reflects worse LV diastolic function in individuals with and without HF, and this is associated with decreased exercise capacity. Initiating treatments targeting these functional aspects may enhance exercise capacity and potentially prevent heart failure (HF). Impaired LA strain also identifies patients with a high risk of AF, and this recognition may lead to preventive strategies. Impaired RV strain has significant clinical and prognostic implications across various clinical scenarios, including HF, PH, tricuspid regurgitation, or in heart transplant recipients.

STE should not be limited to the assessment of deformation of the LV myocardium. The use of LA and RV strain is supported by a substantial evidence base, and these parameters should be used more widely.