BP and left atrial enlargement

i heard the high  BP can be a cause for left atrial enlargement if this is true ... how high  whould your BP have to be to cause this enlargement...i havent actually gottne]en the Echo results on the actual atrial size yet.. but my last BP reading was 170/80...the tech that did the echo said they could also be a leaky valve...is that also a factor in left atrial enalrgement...i get te final results in 2 days but still a little anxious, any input would appreciated...also i do suffer from anxiety i dont know if this also is a factor??/

[kenkeith]

High blood pressure (sustained) will overwork the heart, and an overworked heart will compensate by enlarging the left ventricle (increase volume), and not properly treated will enlarge to a degree that will reduce contractility and increase blood volume. Other than too much blood volume in the heart as a cause,  narrowed valves in the heart (mitral valve), increased heart pressures, increased heart stiffness, primary myocardial diseases (viral, drugs, some medication, alcohol, etc.) or myopathies, etc..

A leaking valve if severe can cause a reduction in cardiac output and the result is an overworked heart and eventually enlarged chambers.  A narrow orifice (stenosis of mitral valve) can directly increase arterial pressure and enlarge the atrium...leaky valve doubtful without symptoms of heart failure.

[greeneyesmon]

once again thank you so much for your input...im still waiting for the results of the echo.....hope your feeeling well..again thank you!