What is severe atrial dilation?

[DizzyD]

Hi all, just trying to educate myself regarding heart problems. Amongst other heart related terms, cardiology letter to my GP states, severe atrial dilation. What does this actually mean? What are the symptoms ? Is there a treatment for this condition.

Look forward to any feedback.

Kind regards

[Vanilla88]

I’m watching your post carefully for replies as I have Aortal dilation I’m waiting to be told what this means also, my GP wasn’t prepared to commit himself without talking to my consultant. I suspect dilation is used to describe enlargement. But have no experience of your particular condition. Sorry hope you get some help.

[DizzyD in reply to Vanilla88]

Hi vanilla thanks for reply. thanks to campingscouts below I now know what atrial dilation means. I had it diagnosed by a private cardiologist who sent me copy of diagnostic test which I did not understand. Hence, My initial post above. I sent a copy to my GP but I have not been in touch with him yet....I am no expert but from what I have read there is different levels of atrial dilation...mild, moderate and severe. Hope yours is the mild form.

Have a rewarding day

[DizzyD in reply to DizzyD]

Forgive my ignorance but is aortal dilation the same as atrial dilation?

[Qualipop in reply to DizzyD]

The atrium is one of the 4 chambers of your heart. The aorta is the blood vessel carrying blood to the heart. They are very different

[Hidden]

Atrial dilation is when your atria (left and right) are enlarged. "Severe dilation" suggests they are particularly enlarged. There are a number of potential causes AF, hypertension or mitral valve not working properly. There may be others.

The treatment will depend on the cause. The best advice is to follow up with your consultant/GP to see what is happening and how it is being treated. Like all heart conditions proper treatment can mitigate any potential problems.

[DizzyD in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your informative reply Campingscouts which has really thrown some light on my present situation. Over the past months I have been diagnosed with AFib, hypertension and mitral valve stenosis. Am being treated with beta blockers, BP med and anti coagulants but I am not under a NHS cardiologist at present. Severe atrial dilation and mitral valve stenosis was diagnosed via a private cardiologist during first covid lockdown who basically signed me off at our final consult. Two weeks later AFib was diagnosed after being admitted to a+e. So I have three contributing factors that caused Severe Atrial Dilation....things aren't looking too good. Do you think I should be under an NHS cardiologist?

Sincere thanks for your imput

[Hidden in reply to DizzyD]

All I can say is that were I live you would be. It may be different where you live but I would chat to my GP about a referral.

[DizzyD in reply to Hidden]

Yeah post code lottery when it comes to health care. Thank you