Predictors of future onset of atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Novel predictors of atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are desirable.

Aim: To detect new multimodality imaging variables predictive of de novo AF in HCM.

Methods: Consecutive patients with HCM underwent clinical assessment and 48-hour Holter electrocardiography to detect AF episodes.

Characterization of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy according to global, regional, and multi-layer longitudinal strain analysis, and prediction of sudden cardiac death.

To evaluate the severity of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) according to global, regional, and multi-layer longitudinal strain (LS) analysis using speckle-tracking echocardiography. From February 2007 to November 2014, we prospectively evaluated 375 consecutive HCM patients referred to our specialized cardiomyopathy center. Demographics, clinical, and rest and exercise echocardiographic parameters were collected according to a completely standardized protocol.