Dilated left atrium

[Mumthree]

Hello . I have just had a repeat echocardiogram and much is the same in terms of mild/moderate mitral valve regurgitation BUT the amount of dilation of my left atrium has increased . I have no AF , take Ramipril ( low dose ) to keep blood pressure low and have no other issues . Why would it get worse ? Should I be worried ? Any ideas or similar experiences . Many thanks

[Chinkoflight]

Hi Mum three, echocardiograms as I understand can be different by both operator, interpretation and on the day. If you think about how it's done probably not surprising. If you have had baby scans you may know how those can differ. On the basis of echocardiograms my heart, circulation and EF are all good. But one did find gallstones and a kidney cyst that it wasn't looking for!!!So armed with nothing to see here echo results and also repeated in an angiogram, a specialist cardiac MRI showed evidence of a significant myocardial infarction, wall thinning and enlarged atrium too. But in judgement terms about any appropriate interventions it was carry on carrying on and fit an ICD!

I could worry about it, and I do from time to time, especially the thinning, but that would be no way to live.

I think your question was highly relevant but I also note it's almost too specific to maybe solicit a response here. I do think you might go back to your specialist and ask for a more detailed response.

Changes in the heart shape and size can be associated with ageing too, not unlike other bits of my body! #chinkoflight