What causes left atrial enlargement?

Left atrial enlargement may be caused by conditions such as mitral valve insufficiency, myocardial hypertrophy, or hypertensive heart disease. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Mitral Valve Insufficiency

Mitral valve insufficiency is often caused by congenital factors or acquired pathological conditions. In such cases, part of the blood may flow back into the left atrium, increasing the heart's contractile effort, which gradually leads to enlargement of the left atrium. Patients can, under medical guidance, take medications that reduce cardiac load—such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets or captopril tablets—to help alleviate symptoms.

2. Myocardial Hypertrophy

Myocardial hypertrophy commonly occurs in patients with insufficient coronary artery blood supply. When the heart suffers from inadequate blood supply and remains under excessive pressure load over a long period, it may lead to the aforementioned symptoms. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions and use medications such as aspirin tablets or metoprolol tartrate tablets for treatment.

3. Hypertensive Heart Disease

Hypertensive heart disease primarily results from long-standing high blood pressure, leading to increased cardiac blood volume or an elevated ejection rate, ultimately causing heart damage. Patients should seek immediate medical attention to prevent worsening symptoms and follow medical advice to take medications such as amlodipine besylate tablets or irbesartan tablets.

In addition to the above relatively common causes, rheumatic heart disease may also lead to left atrial enlargement. If symptoms are severe, patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.