What does increased left atrial load mean?

Left atrial overload refers to a condition in which the left atrium experiences greater than normal stress during contraction, serving as a measure of the heart's energy expenditure. The details are as follows:

The cardiac contraction process can be divided into two components: myocardial contractility and ventricular compliance. Contractility refers to the strength of myocardial cell contraction, while compliance refers to the distribution of blood and pressure within the ventricle. Together, contractility and compliance determine the overall load on the heart during contraction—specifically, the left atrial load. Left atrial overload occurs when abnormal blood distribution or pressure within the ventricle requires the heart to generate greater contractile force to function normally. This condition may result from various causes, including elevated blood pressure, reduced cardiac function, valvular heart disease, and other related disorders. When left atrial overload occurs, it can lead to cardiovascular abnormalities, manifesting as dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and easy fatigability. Furthermore, increased left atrial load raises the risk of cardiovascular failure, potentially leading to serious complications such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. Therefore, left atrial overload is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention and treatment, typically involving medications such as furosemide tablets or hydrochlorothiazide tablets as prescribed by a physician.

It is important to note that left atrial overload is a serious cardiovascular disorder that should not be overlooked. Prompt evaluation and active treatment are essential.