AF and a dilated atria

[Melleray]

A recent ECHO showed I have a dilated atria. The EP didn't make much of it during a recent consultation, and indeed said my ECHO was ok. But having looked it up, I see that it can be caused by high blood pressure, and this condition can then cause AF. Alternatively, the other way around, AF alone can cause a dilated atria. When I first developed AF about 18 years ago, I had an ECHO and the doctor said my heart structure was normal. So has the AF over these past years caused the dilated atria? I have PAF and although I have had many episodes, they don't usually last for more than a few hours, but they are fast.

[BobD Volunteer]

Who can say? AF can cause the left atrium to dilate and stopping AF can allow it to return to normal size. This is why proper treatment is so important to either control rate or rhythm. Blood pressure is also important which is why many of us take BP meds. Life style is probably the most important thing to control as we have been saying recently.

[Melleray in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob - it does make me wonder though, that if there is a chance it will return to normal size if there is less, or hopefully no AF, then what about the people who have persistent AF, and also the pacemaker candidates (myself included) for whom the atria is going to be allowed to carry on doing its acrobatics? I really wish I had thought of asking this question at my last EP consultation.

[Ianc2 in reply to Melleray]

Take someone in with you along with a notepad so you can compare notes afterwards, it will give you useful reference point for often complex information?

[Melleray in reply to Ianc2]

Yes, thank you, it does get confusing.

[radagast58]

Hi

Is there any chance it is a dilated aorta??

[Melleray in reply to radagast58]

No - it is the atria.

[radagast58 in reply to Melleray]

Okay, didn't mean to doubt your intelligence! I've just had major surgery for a dilated aorta which the cardiac surgeon believes was secondary to intractable PAF

[Hidden in reply to radagast58]

How big was your aorta when you had the op?

[radagast58 in reply to Hidden]

It was 5.9cm diameter and I also had an aortic valve replacement.

[Hidden in reply to radagast58]

OK thank you. Maybe ne is 4.5 and the valve is leaking moderatly.

Do you feel better since the op. Sue

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

*mine is

[radagast58 in reply to Hidden]

Hi

My aortic valve was totally knackered. I also had some bypass grafts and further ablations plus removal of my left atrial appendage. It was very major heart surgery that carries significant risk and the recovery time is very slow. I do feel much better but don't expect a miracle cure!

Have you been offered surgery?

Kindest regards

David

[Hidden in reply to radagast58]

Hi David no only being referred to an EP for possible ablation. My BP is very unstable and has been for many years so they put me on drugs that make me feel awful. I keep stopping the drugs and I'm just going round in circles. The AF did start until I was put on Losartan and I stopped taking it and haven't had any episodes since. I'm so tired of it all. I'm only 60 and I haven't been able to work since going on the meds 18 months ago.

Thanks for replying I hope you carry on improving yours was very major, which hospital did you have your op?

Cheers Sue

[radagast58 in reply to Hidden]

Hi

I've had PAF since 2007 and it was noted then that my aorta was mildly dilated. I totally agree that the chronic exhaustion and medication side effects are horrible.

I had an echocardiogram and CT Scan late last year which showed a very enlarged aorta and a leaking and incompetent aortic valve.

I had the surgery in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the medical and nursing care was exemplary. I had some potentially serious post operation complications but these seem to be resolving. I'm only 60 too and I'm hoping to return to work part time in mid November.

Kindest regards

David

[Hidden in reply to radagast58]

Oh that's very interesting thank you David. I hope you are soon able to return to work. I am under St Georges.

Take care Sue