ASE 2025 Research Spotlight 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Natalie Costantino
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New Research at ASE 2025 Investigates Link between Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Assessment and Atrial Fibrillation

(DURHAM, N.C., September 5, 2025)—Research to be presented at the American Society of Echocardiography’s (ASE) 36^th Annual Scientific Sessions, Sept. 5-7, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn., reveals that diastolic function assessment can help identify individuals at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib)—a common but serious heart rhythm disorder that can lead to heart failure and stroke.

Conducted by researchers at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., the study aimed to determine whether relaxation of the heart’s left-sided pumping chamber—known as left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF)—is associated with long-term AFib risk when assessed by echocardiography or artificial intelligence electrocardiography (AI-ECG), independent of other clinical risk factors.

Titled “Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Long-Term Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation,” the study retrospectively analyzed the echocardiograms of more than 82,000 patients. Researchers evaluated patients who had both an echocardiogram and an ECG within a two-week period between 2001 and 2022. Individuals with a prior documented history of AFib were excluded, and patients’ LVDF was classified into four categories: normal, grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3.

During an average follow-up of five years, AFib occurred in roughly 8% of patients. The results confirmed that those showing early signs of diastolic dysfunction by echocardiography or AI-ECG had a significantly increased risk of developing AFib over time.

“Our findings suggest that a routine assessment of diastolic function can provide a powerful glimpse into a person’s future heart health,” said Dr. Gal Tsaban, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic and the study’s lead author. “Each worsening grade of diastolic dysfunction was associated with a progressively higher risk when compared with normal function. These findings highlight the critical role of diastolic function beyond heart failure diagnosis, supporting earlier testing and timely interventions aimed at reducing risk.”

The study concluded that LVDF, whether assessed by echocardiography or AI-ECG, was a strong, independent predictor of AFib risk. LVDF assessment could become a valuable tool in screening at-risk populations, potentially helping clinicians detect and manage AFib earlier.

Dr. Jae K. Oh, a cardiologist and echocardiographer at Mayo Clinic and the study’s senior author, stated that “AI-ECG diastolic function assessment has the similar prognostic power as an echocardiogram. Future study is needed to demonstrate how AI-ECG and echocardiograms can be integrated clinically to identify patients at a high risk of developing AFib.”

ASE 2025 will feature more than 450 research abstract presentations showcasing cutting-edge research on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound and cases illustrating breakthroughs in patient care. This research study will be presented on Friday, September 5, at the Music City Center. Learn more about ASE 2025 and view all ASE 2025 research abstract studies in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

About the American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. In 2025, ASE is celebrating its milestone 50^th anniversary.  For more information, visit the ASE website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Bluesky.

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