Left Atrial Stiffness Index Independently Predicts Exercise Intolerance and Quality of Life in Older, Obese Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the fastest growing form of HF and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The primary chronic symptom in HFpEF is exercise intolerance, associated with reduced quality of life. Emerging evidence implicates left atrial (LA) dysfunction as an important pathophysiologic mechanism. Here we extend prior observations by relating LA dysfunction to peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2),...