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What Happens If You Have An Enlarged Heart (Cardiomegaly)?

Medically reviewed by Lauren Labrador, MD, FPCP, DPCC · Cardiology


Written by Hello Doctor Medical Panel · Updated Dec 04, 2022

    What Happens If You Have An Enlarged Heart (Cardiomegaly)?

    Several factors can contribute to an enlarged heart, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. It may also result from an inefficient heart pump, which can lead to congestive heart failure. Although an enlarged heart may get better with time, the majority of affected individuals require lifelong medication treatment.

    Causes of Enlarged Heart

    Blockages that affect the heart’s blood supply (coronary artery disease) and high blood pressure are the most frequent causes of a weak heart.But there are other potential causes as well, such as:

    • Viral heart infection
    • Abnormal heart valve
    • Pregnancy, which can cause the heart to enlarge around delivery (your doctor may refer to this condition as peripartum cardiomyopathy)
    • Kidney disease that requires dialysis
    • Abuse of alcohol or drugs,
    • HIV infection
    • Genetic and inherited conditions

    Symptoms

    Although an enlarged heart may occasionally go unnoticed, if it can no longer adequately pump blood, you may experience congestive heart failure symptoms. These include:

    • Shortness of breath
    • Limb swelling
    • Weight gain, especially in the abdomen
    • Fatigue
    • Palpitations
    • Chest pain
    • Cough
    • Weight loss
    • Loss of consciousness

    Others may experience minor symptoms that don’t alter for years. Others may experience shortness of breath that gradually worsens. 

    Diagnosis

    Your doctor and you may discuss any symptoms you are experiencing that could be related to congestive heart failure.  Some laboratory works to check for common causes include blood test, urinalysis, thyroid function test, lipid profile, electrolytes, cardiac enzymes, proBNP measurement, troponin I, 12 L ECG, etc. 

    The best approach to detect it is with an ultrasound of your heart, also known as echocardiography. There is no pain or risk involved. it examines the heart’s size, muscle thickness, and pumping performance.

    A larger heart may also be detected by other factors, such as:

    • Your medical history: Shortness of breath or other congestive heart failure symptoms may offer hints.
    • Physical examination: You can have swelling, and an enlarged heart can make strange noises when a doctor uses a stethoscope to listen.
    • Chest x-ray: A dilated cardiomyopathy makes the heart appear larger.
    • Cardiac catheterization: This examines the coronary arteries for blockages and measures the size and pumping efficiency of the heart.
    • Blood tests may be performed to look for conditions like thyroid illness, HIV or other viral infections, or other conditions that can cause an enlarged heart.
    • Scans: In some circumstances, CT scans and MRIs may be used to determine an enlarged heart.
    • Biopsy: In extremely rare cases, a doctor may take a little sample of heart tissue to diagnose an enlarged heart.

    Treatments for an Enlarged Heart

    Treatments for an enlarged heart frequently concentrate on the root problem, such as:

    • Coronary artery disease: If your heart is enlarged due to a blockage, its pumping may improve. Opening the blockages in the blood vessels that give oxygen to the heart can enhance blood flow to the heart muscle.
    • Hypertension: Managing high blood pressure can stop additional damage and improve the function of your heart.
    • Drug or alcohol abuse: Quitting will lessen the symptoms of an enlarged heart and enhance heart health.
    • Heart valve disease: A defective heart valve that is causing cardiomegaly may be repaired or replaced through surgery or a less invasive method.

    Other therapies aim to relieve symptoms and maintain your heart health. Therapies include:

    • Diuretics, sometimes known as “water pills,” increase urine production, which reduces the heart’s pumping effort and reduces leg edema.
    • Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are typically used to treat excessive blood pressure

    A heart transplant as well as cardiac implantable devices (ICD, CRT, Pacemakers) may be advised in a very small number of persons with cardiomegaly and severe congestive heart failure.

    Learn more about Heart Disease here

    Disclaimer

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Medically reviewed by

    Lauren Labrador, MD, FPCP, DPCC

    Cardiology


    Written by Hello Doctor Medical Panel · Updated Dec 04, 2022

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