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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Left Atrial Enlargement Serious?

I am 52, 5'2", 128 lbs, normal blood pressure, 10+ year history of mitral valve prolapse without any symptoms/complications except occasional palpatations. Heart check up recently (ECG) said enlarged left atrium & to see someone. I do have a slight heavy pain feeling in my left upper chest and neck area that is new over the past few months and more pronounced the past couple of weeks. I have also been more tired and feel sleepy when I've had a good amount of sleep and am usually on the go constantly. I've scheduled an appointment with my cardiologist but they have nothing for the next couple of weeks.... with the daily chest pain do you think I should see someone sooner - is there usually an urgency to this condition?
Tue, 7 Feb 2017
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
hello,
Severity actually depends upon the amount of enlargement, presence of irregular heart rhythm. Usually, mild to moderate enlargement, with normal heart beat's is not a dangerous condition. Also, it must been there since years, and must not have developed overnight, so it appear to be a emergency. However, get one ecg done, if you are finding that your heart beat is irregular or rapid.
Some amount of chest pain may be there in mvp. I guess, it's not exertional, also not of severe intensity, and going to left arm.
Overall, it doesn't look like a serious issue.
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Is Left Atrial Enlargement Serious?

hello, Severity actually depends upon the amount of enlargement, presence of irregular heart rhythm. Usually, mild to moderate enlargement, with normal heart beat s is not a dangerous condition. Also, it must been there since years, and must not have developed overnight, so it appear to be a emergency. However, get one ecg done, if you are finding that your heart beat is irregular or rapid. Some amount of chest pain may be there in mvp. I guess, it s not exertional, also not of severe intensity, and going to left arm. Overall, it doesn t look like a serious issue.