Hello

I have recentgly had an ecg and it showed that I had left atrial enlargement. Has anyone else had this. Do you know what the implications are?

Hello

I have recentgly had an ecg and it showed that I had left atrial enlargement. Has anyone else had this. Do you know what the implications are?

The implication is to have an echo exam to help determine the underlying problem. An echo unlike an EKG gives a visual display and calculations of the size of all chambers as well as blood flow through the valves. Your present condition may just merit watching and no treatment based on the underlying problem.

I read that one of the most often things that show up on an EKG is left atrial enlargement. This showed up on mine in 1992 and I was a basket case. The doctor that did it was not concerend. I saw a female cardio and she did an Echo and it was not there. There are more false positives on an EKG, I was told. I have no idea why they even do them.... :rolleyes: Like the other poster said, Get an echocardiogram done. It is a simple 40 minute test and is read by an Echo specialist.

I read that one of the most often things that show up on an EKG is left atrial enlargement. This showed up on mine in 1992 and I was a basket case. The doctor that did it was not concerend. I saw a female cardio and she did an Echo and it was not there. There are more false positives on an EKG, I was told. I have no idea why they even do them.... :rolleyes: Like the other poster said, Get an echocardiogram done. It is a simple 40 minute test and is read by an Echo specialist.

Thanks for the re-assurance. I'll request one when I see the doctor.

mitral valve prolapse can sometimes atrial enlargement. u might want to check into that.

I have mild left atrial enlargement. It showed up on my EKG and was confirmed by an Echo. My cardiologist never seemed concerned about it and only told me to keep my high blood pressure under control. High blood pressure over can cause the enlargement.

mitral valve prolapse can sometimes atrial enlargement. u might want to check into that.

That maybe true. I was thinking MV stenosis. With a constricted or narrow valve opening, less blood will move into the left ventricle with each heart beat, and as a consequence there will be a buildup of blood supply in the left atrial causing the LA to dilate to hold the additional blood.

Hi - I went to a weight loss clinic today and as part of my evaluation an EKG was done. The interpretation came back "sinus bradycardia/possible left atrial enlargement". My heartrate was 52 bpm. I want to mention that I am not obese - 5' 4", 164 lbs. - and that the technician seemed less than proficient at this. I did see the MD on staff and these results did not stop him from dispensing appetite suppressing meds (phendimetrazine). I am inclined to think the ekg results are due to technician error but am wondering about the safety of taking these drugs in light of this?