Atrial enlargement

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Atrial enlargement
Synonyms Atrial hypertrophy
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Often asymptomatic, may include palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue
Complications Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke
Onset Variable, often related to underlying conditions
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Hypertension, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease
Risks Hypertension, obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus
Diagnosis Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, chest X-ray
Differential diagnosis Ventricular hypertrophy, pericardial effusion, pulmonary hypertension
Prevention N/A
Treatment Address underlying cause, medications, lifestyle changes, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency Common, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors
Deaths N/A


Atrial Enlargement refers to a medical condition where the atria of the heart become enlarged. This condition is often a result of other underlying heart diseases or conditions, such as hypertension, heart valve disease, and cardiomyopathy.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The primary causes of atrial enlargement include hypertension, heart valve disease, and cardiomyopathy. These conditions can cause increased pressure in the atria, leading to their enlargement. Other causes can include congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary hypertension.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of atrial enlargement can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, and chest pain. In some cases, atrial enlargement may not cause any symptoms and may only be detected during a routine medical examination.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Atrial enlargement is typically diagnosed through medical imaging techniques such as echocardiography, cardiac MRI, or chest X-ray. Other diagnostic tests may include electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac stress test.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for atrial enlargement primarily involves managing the underlying condition causing the enlargement. This can include medication to control high blood pressure, surgery to repair or replace damaged heart valves, or lifestyle changes to manage heart disease. In some cases, cardiac ablation may be used to treat atrial enlargement.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for atrial enlargement depends on the underlying cause and the overall health of the patient. With appropriate treatment and management, many people with atrial enlargement can lead normal, healthy lives.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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