Background .– Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is prevalent in the community.

Previous studies have reported an association between diastolic function and atrial dimension.

Objective .– The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between left atrial (LA) volume and LV diastolic function.

Methods and results .– In the present prospective study of 120 adults, mean age 59 ± 4 years, referred for a clinically-indicated echocardiogram and in sinus rhythm, with no history of atrial arrhythmias or valvular heart disease and with an ejection fraction > 50%, we determined the LA volume, LV diastolic function status.

The left atrial volume was calculated from the apical four-chamber and two-chamber views at ventricular endsystole with using Simpson’s biplane method.

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) was found in 72% of classified patients. The LA volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi) increased with worsening DD: 23.8 mL/m ² (normal), 29 mL/m ² (grade I), 42.5 mL/m ² (grade II) and 51.7 mL/m ² (grades III). The LAVi was strongly associated with diastolic function grade ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion .– In patients without a history of atrial arrhythmias or valvular heart disease or an ejection fraction < 50%, LA volume expressed the severity of diastolic dysfunction.