what does probable left atrial abnormality mean?

[nat89]

I had an ekg done because ive been having chest pains for a couple of years now. it said sinus rythm probable left atrial abnormality. the heart doc said its normal, so where is the chest pain coming from then? and why would it say abnormality if he says its normal?

[kenkeith]

An ekg is not a reliable source to make a diagnoses.  If an ekg lists a possible abnormality, it requires further evidence from symptoms, other tests, etc.  A good doctor evaluates your medical history, current symptoms, etc.  A sinus rhythm probably would require more evidence for irregular heartbeats, etc...almost always not a source for chest pain.

To confirm there is left atrial abnormality (upper chamber) would require an echocardiogram to verify.  That could possibly be a source for chest pain, if the abnormality is related to an increase in size of the atrium due a mitral valve insufficiency, etc...