It is usually a manifestation of valvular or congenital heart disease. Do you have any mitral stenosis or a PFO or ASD? These are the usual causes of severe LA dilatation. Other causes include coronary artery disease or severe or uncontrolled hypertension.
The only thing that shows on the report is a trace of a mitral valve leak. No PFO or ASD.
I think the cause was my Rheumatic fever when I was 10 years old (28 years ago).
My question is, what can/can't I do, can I exercise? Should I be on an anticoagulant?
Would you consider a dilation of 5.0 SEVERE? That is what was on the report. (My primary care Dr. hasn't bothered to call me yet, I just got a copy of the report (I have been in the medical field for 18 years- so I do know a little bit).
I am just scared to exercise - for fear of having a stroke! Will losing weight help, or is this a permanent enlargement?
Thank you
Sally