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What Does Borderline Left Atrial Abnormality In An ECG Mean?

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Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2016
Question: please what does borderline left atrial abnormality mean.
also first degree av block and abnormal ecg, unconfirmed diagnosis
sinus rate 66
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that a first degree AV block represents the mildest form of cardiac atrio-ventricular conduction abnormalities.

This is expressed in the ECG recording by a prolongation of the PR interval more than 200 ms.

There are several reasons why this disorder may happen. Some of them are related to certain medication use (such as betablockers, etc.), cardiac ischemia, degenerative disorders of the cardiac conductance system, structural changes of the atria (atrial enlargement, fibrosis), which may be expressed with signs of left/right/biatrial enlargement on the ECG recordings, etc.. This later denotes left atrial abnormality.

Atrial abnormalities may also be a consequence of several cardiomyopathies (valvular, hypertrophic, dilated or restrictive cardiomyopathy).

In addition, I would like to assure you that first degree AV block is the most benign cardiac conductance disorder, and you shouldn't worry about it.

It is recommended just to be careful and follow periodic medical check up by resting ECG and Holter monitoring.

Also, if certain drugs are responsible, they should be reduced or completely avoided.

I recommend discussing with your doctor to possibly review all the above mentioned possible causes.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (28 hours later)
I have been having persistent chest pain in my left side radiating to the back and went to hospital referred for ECG (sent you result) and booked to see Physician in a few days also had high cholesterol as at 6 weeks ago was placed on ,medication. Been on levothyroxine for 14 years due to thyrodectomy. What is wrong with me. on Tramed to relieve chest pain.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Thank you for the additional information!

Coming to this point, I would recommend performing further tests :

- a cervico-thoracic column X ray study to exclude a backbone disorder which could lead to a similar clinical scenario (not related to ECG changes)
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac structure and function
- a cardiac stress test to exclude possible coronary artery disease (as you have risk factors like dyslipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, etc.)

An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring is also needed to examine your heart rhythm trends for a more prolonged time (considering your ECG changes).

Hope to have been helpful!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9548 Questions

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What Does Borderline Left Atrial Abnormality In An ECG Mean?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that a first degree AV block represents the mildest form of cardiac atrio-ventricular conduction abnormalities. This is expressed in the ECG recording by a prolongation of the PR interval more than 200 ms. There are several reasons why this disorder may happen. Some of them are related to certain medication use (such as betablockers, etc.), cardiac ischemia, degenerative disorders of the cardiac conductance system, structural changes of the atria (atrial enlargement, fibrosis), which may be expressed with signs of left/right/biatrial enlargement on the ECG recordings, etc.. This later denotes left atrial abnormality. Atrial abnormalities may also be a consequence of several cardiomyopathies (valvular, hypertrophic, dilated or restrictive cardiomyopathy). In addition, I would like to assure you that first degree AV block is the most benign cardiac conductance disorder, and you shouldn't worry about it. It is recommended just to be careful and follow periodic medical check up by resting ECG and Holter monitoring. Also, if certain drugs are responsible, they should be reduced or completely avoided. I recommend discussing with your doctor to possibly review all the above mentioned possible causes. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri