This prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether left atrial reservoir strain, measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, independently predicts 6-month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and provides incremental prognostic value beyond the GRACE 2.0 score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial volume index in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) carries significant short- and long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events despite advances in management. Current risk stratification relies on clinical scores such as GRACE 2.0 and conventional echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial volume index (LAVI). These tools have limitations, as LVEF may remain preserved and LAVI mainly reflects chronic remodeling. Left atrial (LA) reservoir strain assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is a sensitive marker of left ventricular filling pressure and diastolic function. Reduced LA reservoir strain has been associated with adverse outcomes after NSTEMI, but data on its incremental prognostic value beyond established risk models remain limited. This prospective observational study will assess whether LA reservoir strain independently predicts 6-month MACE and improves risk discrimination when added to the GRACE 2.0 score and conventional echocardiographic parameters in patients with NSTEMI.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
150
6-month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)
Composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, or life-threatening arrhythmia occurring within 6 months of admission.
Time frame: 6 months
Left atrial reservoir strain
Peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) during the reservoir phase measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (EchoPAC software), expressed as percentage (%). Higher values indicate better left atrial function.
Time frame: Baseline
Change in risk discrimination with addition of LA reservoir strain
Change in risk discrimination for 6-month MACE when left atrial reservoir strain is added to the GRACE 2.0 score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left atrial volume index (LAVI), assessed by change in C-statistic, Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI), and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI).
Time frame: 6 months
Optimal cutoff value of LA reservoir strain
Optimal cutoff value of left atrial reservoir strain for predicting 6-month MACE determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Time frame: 6 months
Correlation of LA reservoir strain with clinical parameters
Correlation between left atrial reservoir strain (expressed as percentage) and the following parameters: GRACE 2.0 score, peak troponin level (ng/L), left ventricular ejection fraction (%), and E/e' ratio. Correlation will be assessed using Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient.
Time frame: Baseline
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