As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain what biatrial enlargement means.
Biatrial enlargement refers to the condition where both the right and left atria of the heart are enlarged. The atria are the upper chambers of the heart responsible for receiving blood from the body and lungs, respectively, and then sending it to the ventricles for circulation. Enlargement of the atria can be due to various factors, including high blood pressure, heart valve diseases, heart failure, or congenital heart defects.
When the atria become enlarged, they may not function as effectively, which can lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, or swelling in the legs and ankles due to fluid retention.
Diagnosis of biatrial enlargement typically involves imaging tests such as echocardiography, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart, or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgical intervention.
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