Enlargement of left atrium.

I recently had an EKG prior to a procedure. I was asked repeatedly if I have had a heart attack - have not had one to my knowledge. They finally told me that I may possibly have an enlargement of the left atrium. What does this mean and what should I do now?

[kenkeith]

Left atrial enlargement often occurs in mitral valve (valve between left atrium and left ventricle) disease (either stenosis...narrow opening or insufficiency...regurgitation as valve leaflets do not close tightly enough to prevent backflow).

An EKG is not a reliable source to diagnose valve problems.  To substanitate a valve disorder requires an echocardiogram (doppler software), and this test observes the blood flow through the heart chambers and valves.

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