ecg results

Posted by Julie Hammer on July 12, 1999 at 12:04:12
Dear Kind Dr.
     I was seen at the er the other day due to a severe panic attack. Had a ECG done and the results read as this. Sinus tachycardia, left atrial enlargement and Borderline ecg. I understand the sinus tachycardia but don't know what left atrial enlargement means. Is this normal? The Drs have not seemed concerned. I am 36 years old in otherwise good health. Thanks for being here.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on July 12, 1999 at 13:07:53
This means that one of the waves on the ECG was big which can correlate with an enlarged upper chamber of the heart.  However, it could just be that that wave was a little big.  I wouldn't be concerned about it either.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Julie Hammer on July 12, 1999 at 21:26:28
Dear Dr. CRC
    Not to keep harping about this, could you please explain what the outcome is for a person with this trouble. In time do they need medicines and how are they physically? Thanks for this one last answer.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on July 13, 1999 at 07:58:17
I think you are putting the cart ahead of the horse.  First, it's doubtful there is anything wrong.  This is a very nonspecific finding and no one to be concerned about.  Second, even if it did indicate an enlargement there is not much that would need to be done.  Hope this puts your mind at ease.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
Posted by Julie on July 13, 1999 at 09:16:24
Thanks Dr. Yes it does put my mind at ease. You all do a great thing here.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on July 13, 1999 at 20:46:00
Let us know if there is anything else we can do for you.
CRC