Enlarged left atria

What causes the enlargement of the left atria? I have had a mitral valve repair 10 yrs. ago. I have now been diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis, venus insufficiency, a severly enlarged left atria.


This discussion is related to Enlarged Left Atrium Consideration.

[erijon]

An increase in the size of a left atrium is usually due to high blood pressure. I'm not sure in mitral valve stenosis can also cause this, but I'm sure someone will answer that knows more about this. How large is it? Mine is 4.4cm when it should be 4.0 cm or less and is rated as mild. How did the dx get made, by echo? My cardiologist told me that an echo is not very reliable in diagnosing an enlarged LA as some people have a different  heart axis and it is usually measure by one picture or "slice" of the atrium and if the axis is shifted at all the dx is bad. The only way to get a sure measurement is to measure it's volume which is very accurate but not normally done as an enlarged LA is usually not significant. It can however cause blood to pool in the chamber causing a clot to form so it does increase one's risk of stroke.

Hope this helps,

Jon