Left atria dilation. Any tips ?

[Turquoise19]

Hi all, my MRi revealed this as most sig problem, so AF may come back, due to this.

Anyone got any tips on how to reduce it ? This happen to you ? What u think causes it n all ?

Thx Wendy

[BobD Volunteer]

Generally speaking the AF is a cause of a dilated left atrium and stopping the AF by ablation etc can usually allow it to return to a more normal size.

[Turquoise19 in reply to BobD]

And how long might that take ? Any ways I can help it along ?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Turquoise19]

No and how long is a piece of string? We are all different so impossible to answer. How long did it take to get like it? It will not happen in a moment for sure.

[mirtilla in reply to BobD]

Would you please tell me of any research article supporting your statement? All doctors I have talked to say the reverse: the dilated atrium is the cause of AF. Not only: a dilated atrium becomes in time partially fibrotic and no way will reduce its size. I have a dilated atrium and would welcome if you were right

[BobD Volunteer in reply to mirtilla]

There are two possibilities here. Lone AF (where there is no other heart problems ) can cause dilated atrium by overwork. This is another reason athletes are more likely to get AF. Valve problems can allow back pressure from the ventricle into the atrium stretching it causing dilation which can then cause AF. This is common understanding by most doctors and does not need research papers.

If you have a leaking valve then yes this can cause AF for above reasons but not all AF is so caused. Cancellation of lone AF normally allows return of normal atrium.

Ergo it is important to understand if you have lone or valvular AF and state that in any such discussions.

[mirtilla in reply to BobD]

Sorry: my finger slipped and I answered you under next Reply

[Turquoise19 in reply to mirtilla]

Hi Mirtilla,

I hadn't known of such research, my understanding though, is that it's a bit chicken N egg, not sure what others think, as then once you're in AF, AF begets AF.... ?

[mirtilla in reply to Turquoise19]

Sorry, Turquoise19, I wanted to reply to the first comment of BobD and I made a mistake

[Turquoise19 in reply to mirtilla]

Ah yes realise that. Look forward to Bob's response

[Finvola]

I had enlargement of both atria - stretched by about 6 years of undiagnosed AF. My information is that absence of AF episodes can allow a reversal of enlargement which itself can result in fewer AF episodes. I’ve had no AF in 5 years taking Flecainide, so I’m hopeful.

[Turquoise19 in reply to Finvola]

Thx both. On with the hope and onwards from here . I just like doing my little bit if I can help it along, hence already taking magnesium taurate from people's advice in here xw

[Hidden]

Flecainde will help the less AF you have the less it will enlarge ! Key to reducing it is good BP control, keeping your BMI under 25 and avoiding very high intensity exercise !

[Turquoise19]

Thx Andy, think I am now on track with the BP and BMI. Not been suggested for Flecananide, my AF turned persistent very quickly.

[Hidden]

Mine returned to normal size quite quickly after my first cardioversion (about 3 months IIRC)