Bisbal et al reported a definition for atrial failure. The authors are from Spain, Canada and the United States.
Definition of atrial failure:
(1) any atrial dysfunction
(2) causes impaired heart performance
(3) not explained by valvular or ventricular abnormalities
Types of atrial dysfunction include:
(1) anatomical (reservoir or conduit dysfunction)
(2) mechanical (booster pump failure)
(3) electrical (electrical dyssynchrony)
(4) rheological
Impaired heart performance can result in:
(1) symptoms
(2) worsening quality of life
(3) worsening life expectancy
