Atrial enlargement

Atrial Enlargement

Atrial enlargement refers to a medical condition characterized by the increase in size of the atria (pronounced: /ˈeɪtriə/, from Latin atrium, "entry hall") of the heart. This condition is often a result of other underlying heart diseases or conditions.

Etymology

The term atrial enlargement is derived from the Latin word atrium, which means "entry hall", and the English word enlargement, which means "an increase in size". The term is used to describe the condition where the atria of the heart increase in size.

Causes

Atrial enlargement is often caused by conditions that increase the workload of the heart's atria. These conditions may include hypertension, heart valve disease, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

Symptoms

Symptoms of atrial enlargement may not be noticeable in the early stages. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and dizziness.

Diagnosis

Atrial enlargement is typically diagnosed through an echocardiogram, which is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. Other diagnostic tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and cardiac MRI.

Treatment

Treatment for atrial enlargement typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may include medications to control blood pressure, procedures to correct heart valve problems, or lifestyle changes to improve heart health.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Atrial enlargement
Wikipedia's article - Atrial enlargement

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Atrial enlargement