Hauser R, Nielsen AB, Skaarup KG, et al. - Incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population is independently predicted by peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and peak atrial contraction strain (PACS). This remains consistent even in individuals with normal-sized left atrial (LA) and normal left ventricular systolic function.

• From the fifth Copenhagen City Heart Study, a total of 4,466 participants were analyzed in this prospective longitudinal analysis.

• A health examination, including echocardiographic measurements of LA strain, was received by all participants.

• Univariable analysis demonstrated significant links of the following with AF development: PALS, PACS, and LA strain during the conduit phase.

• In multivariable analysis, PALS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, per 1% decrease] and PACS (HR 1.08, per 1% decrease] continued to be independent predictors of AF.