ECG results (Read 719 times)

It is most likely that you will have relatively normal findings on your EHCO.

The screening ECG is a non-specific screening tool. Often false negative or false positive results. It must be used in conjunction with your clinical history by your physician. This can lead to, as in your example, a follow-up study for further clarification.

As far as the importance or meaning of LAE 'left atrial enlargement'. 

First it may be nothing at all. The ECG is too sensitive but not specific enough. Hence the ECHO to delineate.

Second. The left atrium may be enlarged due to an inefficient ability to empty into the left ventricle. This may be due to a problem with the Mitral valve. The mitral valve normally allows blood to empty easily from the left atrium into the left ventricle. Then it normally prevents the blood in the left ventricle from returning into the left atrium. A one way valve.

This Mitral valve may be sticky and not open completely-'Stenotic'

It may be leaky and allow blood to flow back into the atrium-'Insufficient or Regurgitant'

Or both

LAE may also results from a normal mitral valve but the left ventricle being too stiff or thick. The Echo is excellent in determining this.

Regardless of the findings, it is best to follow-up with the advise of your physician. The impact and management of any of those findings are best explained by your clinician.

Best Regards

 I really hope you are searching to draw interest in a discussion regarding risk vs benefit of endurance training. And not despondent regarding your ECG.

As has been discussed here, in medical journals, newspaper columns and running magazines like Runner's World, running and other endurance training is safe and beneficial. This includes cardiac, skeletal muscular and psychologic benefits.

It's worth reading Amby Burfoots December 2008 SPECIAL REPORT: ARE MARATHONS DANGEROUS?

While an athlete's sudden death from cardiac issues is scary, it is uncommon. Athletes do undergo cardiac changes that can place a limited number at risk. Skater Sergei Grinkov and basketball star Hank Gathers are examples of superbly fit athletes who died suddenly. They may have also had other risk factors. Grinkov is believed to have a previously undiagnosed hyper-coagulable disorder subjecting him to risk of coronary thrombosis. Gathers was found to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy leading to a fatal ventricular arrhythmia. With Gathers there is some debate regarding his medical management and his own medical non-compliance (taking Beta Blocker medication) prior to his fatal event.

According to findings published in the November 17th 2009 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, aside from aging itself, obesity appears to be the most powerful predictor of left atrial enlargement (LAE), upping one’s risk of atrial fibrillation (the most common type of arrhythmia), stroke and death. 

Most of this is just blather when YOU are the one facing a medical diagnosis that you fear jeopardizes your well being.  Your upcoming ECHO will likely (hopefully) place your mind at ease.

Good news. I had the echocardiogram today and everything was okay. The doctor has now signed me off as fit to go and I'll be on my way to Morocco in two weeks. Now I can concentrate on getting my kit together and tapering properly without having to worry about medical matters.

And thanks for the good advice guys.

Chris