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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Mild Atrial Enlargement In A Healthy Woman Be A Matter Of Concern?

I just received results from an EKG that stated it was borderline with right atrial enlargement. I a a 60 year old female. My blood pressure Is usually around 110/7, but will at times jump to 125/80 ( I usually attribute this to white coat syndrome. I am quite overweight and while I am not completely sedentary, I do not have an exercise program. Should I be worried enough about this EKG to make an appointment with a cardiologist ?
Thu, 3 Dec 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for asking at HCM.
EKG is not a sensitive and not specific test for atrial enlargement. This means that it may suggest atrial enlargement but this diagnosis is always done with an ultrasound of the heart that measures the heart rooms.
I would suggest a heart ultrasound and if the heart rooms come out normal there is no need to worry. If the atrium is bigger than normal values than the heart ultrasound might also give some information on the probable cause of the atrial enlargement and might be helpful in diagnosis and treatment plan. So first of all have a heart ultrasound done as a specific and sensitive test for heart room sizes.
Hope this is helpful to you and answers to your questions
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Could Mild Atrial Enlargement In A Healthy Woman Be A Matter Of Concern?

Hello, Thank you for asking at HCM. EKG is not a sensitive and not specific test for atrial enlargement. This means that it may suggest atrial enlargement but this diagnosis is always done with an ultrasound of the heart that measures the heart rooms. I would suggest a heart ultrasound and if the heart rooms come out normal there is no need to worry. If the atrium is bigger than normal values than the heart ultrasound might also give some information on the probable cause of the atrial enlargement and might be helpful in diagnosis and treatment plan. So first of all have a heart ultrasound done as a specific and sensitive test for heart room sizes. Hope this is helpful to you and answers to your questions