Changes in left atrial size in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a prospective echocardiographic study with a 5-year follow-up period

In conclusion, it has been proved that AF occurring in patients with hypertensive heart disease causes a slow and progressive increase in LA size especially in patients in functional III NYHA class, and that the maintenance of sinus rhythm partially reverts the process of LA enlargement in patients with well-controlled hypertension, a history of AF and successfully treated for AF.