What do you need to know about an enlarged heart?
An enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) isn't a disease, but rather a sign of another condition.
The term "cardiomegaly" refers to an enlarged heart seen on any imaging test, including a chest X-ray. Other tests are then needed to diagnose the condition that's causing the heart to be enlarged.
An enlarged heart may be the result of a short-term stress on the bodyor a medical condition, such as the weakening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or abnormal heart rhythms.
Depending on the condition, an enlarged heart may be temporary or permanent.
An enlarged heart may be treatable by correcting the cause. Treatment for an enlarged heart can include medications, medical procedures or surgery.
Symptoms
In some people, an enlarged heart causes no signs or symptoms.
Others may have these signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Swelling (edema)
Causes
An enlarged heart can be caused by conditions that cause your heart to pump harder than usual or that damage your heart muscle.
Sometimes the heart gets larger and becomes weak for unknown reasons. This is known as idiopathic cardiomegaly.
A heart condition you're born with (congenital), damage from a heart attack or an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) can cause your heart to enlarge.
Other conditions associated with an enlarged heart include:
- High blood pressure.
- Heart valve disease.
- Cardiomyopathy.
- High blood pressure in the artery that connects your heart and lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
- Fluid around your heart (pericardial effusion).
- Blocked arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease).
- Low red blood cell count (anemia).
- Thyroid disorders.
- Excessive iron in the body (hemochromatosis).
- Amyloidosis
When to see a doctor
An enlarged heart is easier to treat when it's detected early, so talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your heart.
Seek emergency medical care if you have any of these signs and symptoms, which may mean you're having a heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Severe shortness of breath
- Fainting
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/enlarged-heart/symptoms-causes/syc-20355436
