Non-invasive methods of atrial function evaluation in heart diseases.

The article describes four essential components (hemodynamic, bioelectrical, hormonal, metabolic) of atrial function. The role atria play in heart hemodynamic performance by virtue of their reservoir, conduit and active contractile function is emphasized. Next, the authors relate various non-invasive diagnostic methods in cardiology to the estimation of particular types of atrial function in physiological and in selected pathological conditions. Only non-invasive and easy accessible in clinical practice diagnostic methods are presented. The use of echocardiography for the evaluation of hemodynamic function of atria and left atrial appendage is particularly exposed.