What You Should Know About an Enlarged Heart.?

Answer 1

An enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) is first detected by x-ray. A common misconception is an enlarged heart is a form of heart disease. The reality is, an enlarged hearts is a symptom of, and caused by, another problem. Conditions like pregnancy, stress, coronary artery disease, and heart valve disease are just a few causes of an enlarged heart. Family history or congenital heart disease can also be the cause.

Symptoms of an enlarged heart are not always present. It is possible to have no symptoms at all. Some people experience shortness of breath, dizziness, arrhythmia, edema (swelling), cough, and chest pain. Emergency medical attention should the sought if severe shortness of breath, fainting, and chest pain occur.

Other conditions that cause an enlarged heart include high blood pressure that overworks the heart which causes the heart to enlarge as the muscle thickens.

Heart valve disease is usually caused by damage from conditions and illness like rheumatic fever, infections, medications, radiation, a heart defect, or damage from a heart attack.

Cardiomyopathy, thickening and stiffening of the heart, is a disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart to enlarge. A congenital heart defect, something you are born with, or an arrhythmia, may cause the heart to work harder to pump blood, resulting in heart enlargement.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) can cause a variety of heart problems that include cardiomegaly.

Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body) and Amyloidosis (a build up of proteins in the heart) can stress and inhibit proper function the heart, causing it to enlarge.

The good news about an enlarged heart is it can be treated. To begin with, the doctor will order a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and a stress test. Next, the doctor will order either a CT scan or an MRI, blood tests, and possibly a cardiac catheterization and biopsy to get a closer look and check the heart and arteries for any blockage.

Depending on the severity of the condition, medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, or others medications may be prescribed. In more serious cases, surgery to insert a device to regulate the heartbeat may be necessary. As with most medical conditions, early detection and treatment greatly increase the chance for a positive outcome. As soon as suspicion or symptoms appear, make an appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.