Had echo after stvs (which i've had intermittently for years) that turned into afib. doc said my left atrium is "slightly" enlarged. i'm 59, female. he said it's not unusual at my age. agree or recs?

Not unheard of: The fact is that most 59-year-olds don't have atrial fibrillation. However as we get older, the incidence increases.

Most common cause : Of atrial fibrillation in usa is hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Enlarged left atrium cause the abnormal atrial arrhythmia. Heart rate control and prevention of thromboembolic event a must. Sinus rhythm convertion always a possibility to avoid complications. Electrical, drug and ablation therapy are 3 possible treatments. Consult your cardiology for the best regimen for you.

Not ususual: There's nothing you can do to make your atrium smaller. Try to keep your BP well controlled - that's the most common cause. It's not a life limiting problem but it does make recurrence of atrial fib more common which in turn makes your left atrium larger thus the saying, "atrial fib begets atrial fib".