Does left atrial enlargement matter?

summary

Left atrial enlargement refers to the enlargement of the heart volume, generally a certain part of the heart, or a general enlargement of the heart. Does left atrial enlargement matter? Let's share my experience with you.

Does left atrial enlargement matter?

The P wave of ECG represents the activation of left and right atria. Since the sinoatrial node is located under the intima of right atrium, the activation first spreads to right atrium, and later to left atrium. When the left atrium is enlarged, the conduction of activation to the left atrium is delayed, and the conduction of activation in the left atrium is also delayed, resulting in the broadening of P wave duration and the appearance of "double peak" phenomenon.

The correlation between P-wave voltage and left atrial diameter is 0.69, which is consistent with our result of 0.683.

The mechanism may be related to the increase of left atrial pressure. At the same time, patients with mitral stenosis and enlargement of left atrium often have enlargement of right atrium and right ventricle. Enlargement of right atrium leads to increase of P wave voltage and sharp P wave height

matters needing attention

Diagnosis: apical pulse shifted to the left and down, palpation showed obvious lifting pulsation, the boundary of percussion heart murmur enlarged to the left and down, ECG showed left axis deviation and left ventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiography can be used for direct diagnosis.