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Atrial kick is the atrial contraction phase of the cardiac cycle. Contraction of the atria generates a force that propels blood across the mitral and tricuspid valves. This contribution occurs late in atrial systole, when blood flows from the left atrium into the left ventricle. In healthy individuals, atrial kick accounts for 20% to 30% of left ventricular filling. In decompensated heart failure, the atrial kick may be appreciated clinically as the 4th heart sound.[1][2]
The atrial kick is an essential component of the cardiac cycle, as it contributes to maximizing left ventricular end-diastolic volume. Recognition of its absence is clinically important, and identification of the underlying etiology should guide further evaluation. Restoration of sinus rhythm, ideally in consultation with cardiologists or cardiac electrophysiologists, is the primary therapeutic objective when feasible.