Enlarged left atrium, Ischemic heart disease

[megandjacksnan]

I was diagnosed with cardiac syndrome x (final diagnosis ischemic heart disease) 2 and a half years ago.  I had an echocardiagraph, stress ecg, 24hr ecg, miocardial perfusion scan and a angiogram.  I have angina, fatigue and breathlessness on exersize.  I am also asthmatic and have an under active thyroid (if I was a horse they would have shot me).  Just recently I have been informed that when I had the echo it showed that I had an enlarged left atrium but no obvious problem with my valves.  What are the implications of the enlarged atrium and what effect will it have on my life.  I try to live a normal life but find I tire very easy.

[megandjacksnan]

Thank you.  I am not sure of the size of the enlargement.  My problems started with 2 AF episodes and I have extra beats especially when walking uphill or exercising which causes fatigue and breathlessness.  I have a very slow heart rate, less than 60 due to thyroid & meds (I think) so when i walk up a small incline or carry something heavy, I get weired beats and breathless very easy.  I am on anti coagulants but can't have beta blockers due to blood pressure and asthma.  Dr's have thrown all the meds they can at me, and, although I hate it, I have had to adjust (a horrible word).  I will badger my GP to send me back to the cardiologist to see if I can get any clear answers.  Thank you once again.  Sheila

[kenkeith]

The seriousness depends on the size of the enlargement, a small enlargement usually won't present problems.  A larger size (outside the normal range) can lead to problems ranging from electrical disruptions causing atrial fibrillation.  A stroke can occur due to blood pooling in the atrium. Medications such as Beta Blockers and anti platlet medications should be prescribed to reduce the probability of any risks of  cardiovascular and cerebral occlusion.