Left atrial enlargement: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Left atrial enlargement | |||
| image = [[File:Left_atrial_enlargement_(CardioNetworks_ECGpedia).jpg]] | |||
| caption = ECG showing left atrial enlargement | |||
| field = [[Cardiology]] | |||
| synonyms = Left atrial hypertrophy | |||
| symptoms = Often asymptomatic, may include [[dyspnea]], [[palpitations]], [[fatigue]] | |||
| complications = [[Atrial fibrillation]], [[stroke]], [[heart failure]] | |||
| onset = Variable, often associated with underlying conditions | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Hypertension]], [[mitral valve disease]], [[aortic stenosis]], [[cardiomyopathy]] | |||
| risks = [[Hypertension]], [[obesity]], [[sleep apnea]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG), [[echocardiography]] | |||
| differential = [[Right atrial enlargement]], [[ventricular hypertrophy]] | |||
| prevention = Control of [[blood pressure]], management of underlying conditions | |||
| treatment = Address underlying cause, [[medication]], [[surgery]] if necessary | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying cause and treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in patients with cardiovascular disease | |||
}} | |||
[[File:E307_(CardioNetworks_ECGpedia)_(cropped).jpg|E307 (CardioNetworks ECGpedia)|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Left atrial enlargement''' ('''LAE''') refers to the enlargement of the [[left atrium]] (LA) of the [[heart]], and is a form of [[cardiomegaly]]. It is often a marker for disease elsewhere in the body, and can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as [[mitral valve disease]] or [[congestive heart failure]]. | '''Left atrial enlargement''' ('''LAE''') refers to the enlargement of the [[left atrium]] (LA) of the [[heart]], and is a form of [[cardiomegaly]]. It is often a marker for disease elsewhere in the body, and can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as [[mitral valve disease]] or [[congestive heart failure]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The most common causes of left atrial enlargement are conditions that increase the pressure in the left atrium or left ventricle of the heart. These include [[hypertension]] (high blood pressure), [[aortic stenosis]] (narrowing of the aortic valve), and [[mitral valve regurgitation]] (leakage of the mitral valve). | The most common causes of left atrial enlargement are conditions that increase the pressure in the left atrium or left ventricle of the heart. These include [[hypertension]] (high blood pressure), [[aortic stenosis]] (narrowing of the aortic valve), and [[mitral valve regurgitation]] (leakage of the mitral valve). | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of left atrial enlargement can vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include [[shortness of breath]], [[fatigue]], [[palpitations]], and [[chest pain]]. In some cases, left atrial enlargement may not cause any symptoms and may only be detected during a routine [[medical examination]]. | Symptoms of left atrial enlargement can vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include [[shortness of breath]], [[fatigue]], [[palpitations]], and [[chest pain]]. In some cases, left atrial enlargement may not cause any symptoms and may only be detected during a routine [[medical examination]]. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of left atrial enlargement typically involves a combination of [[medical history]], physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include an [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG), [[echocardiogram]], and [[cardiac MRI]]. | Diagnosis of left atrial enlargement typically involves a combination of [[medical history]], physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include an [[electrocardiogram]] (ECG), [[echocardiogram]], and [[cardiac MRI]]. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for left atrial enlargement typically involves treating the underlying cause. This may include medications to control blood pressure, procedures to repair or replace damaged heart valves, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. | Treatment for left atrial enlargement typically involves treating the underlying cause. This may include medications to control blood pressure, procedures to repair or replace damaged heart valves, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for left atrial enlargement depends on the underlying cause and the overall health of the patient. With appropriate treatment, many patients can live a normal life. However, left atrial enlargement can increase the risk of [[stroke]], [[heart failure]], and other serious health problems. | The prognosis for left atrial enlargement depends on the underlying cause and the overall health of the patient. With appropriate treatment, many patients can live a normal life. However, left atrial enlargement can increase the risk of [[stroke]], [[heart failure]], and other serious health problems. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Cardiomegaly]] | * [[Cardiomegaly]] | ||
| Line 21: | Line 36: | ||
* [[Mitral valve disease]] | * [[Mitral valve disease]] | ||
* [[Atrial fibrillation]] | * [[Atrial fibrillation]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Heart diseases]] | [[Category:Heart diseases]] | ||
{{Cardiology-stub}} | {{Cardiology-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:14, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Left atrial enlargement | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Left atrial hypertrophy |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Often asymptomatic, may include dyspnea, palpitations, fatigue |
| Complications | Atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure |
| Onset | Variable, often associated with underlying conditions |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Hypertension, mitral valve disease, aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy |
| Risks | Hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea |
| Diagnosis | Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Right atrial enlargement, ventricular hypertrophy |
| Prevention | Control of blood pressure, management of underlying conditions |
| Treatment | Address underlying cause, medication, surgery if necessary |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying cause and treatment |
| Frequency | Common in patients with cardiovascular disease |
| Deaths | N/A |

Left atrial enlargement (LAE) refers to the enlargement of the left atrium (LA) of the heart, and is a form of cardiomegaly. It is often a marker for disease elsewhere in the body, and can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, such as mitral valve disease or congestive heart failure.
Causes[edit]
The most common causes of left atrial enlargement are conditions that increase the pressure in the left atrium or left ventricle of the heart. These include hypertension (high blood pressure), aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), and mitral valve regurgitation (leakage of the mitral valve).
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of left atrial enlargement can vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and chest pain. In some cases, left atrial enlargement may not cause any symptoms and may only be detected during a routine medical examination.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of left atrial enlargement typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and cardiac MRI.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for left atrial enlargement typically involves treating the underlying cause. This may include medications to control blood pressure, procedures to repair or replace damaged heart valves, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for left atrial enlargement depends on the underlying cause and the overall health of the patient. With appropriate treatment, many patients can live a normal life. However, left atrial enlargement can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other serious health problems.
See also[edit]

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