Effect of catheter ablation on pre-existing abnormalities of left atrial systolic, diastolic, and neurohormonal functions in patients with chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation

The critical role of the left atrium (LA) in cardiovascular homoeostasis is mediated by its reservoir, conduit, systolic, and neurohormonal functions. Atrial fibrillation is generally a reflection of underlying disease of the LA, especially in patients with heart failure. Disease-related LA remodelling leads to a decline in both atrial contractility and distensibility along with an impairment in the control of neurohormonal systems that regulate...