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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 enlarges and becomes weak for unknown reasons. Some causes are high blood pressure and heart valve disease.

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Q: What are some common causes of an enlarged heart?
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What can an enlarged heart do?

Enlarged heart isn't a disease, but rather a symptom of another condition. Its main cause is the stress on our body, such as pregnancy, weakening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, health valve problems or abnormal heart rhythms.


What is The term that means an enlarged heart?

The medical term for an enlarged heart is "Cardiomegaly". Cardiomegaly can in practice take the form of Hypertrophy (thickening) of the heart muscles in some patients while in others cardiomegaly takes the form of dilation (increase in volume) of one or more of the heart chambers.In some people, an enlarged heart causes no signs or symptoms. Others may suffer from shortness of breath, abnormal heart rhythm. dizziness. edema (swelling), coughing and/or chest pains.The term is most commonly used to refer to an enlarged heart observed on chest X-ray before other tests are done to try to diagnose the specific condition causing the cardiomegaly. Treatment for enlarged heart is directed at correcting the underlying cause and may include medications, medical procedures or surgery.


What is some basic information on enlarged hearts?

An enlarged heart is considered to be a heart muscle condition. It is a symptom of an other body disorder that is likely causing the heart to work harder than normal. Apparently it is treatable as well, and you can find more information on this great medical site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/enlarged-heart/ds01129


How would I know if I have an enlarged heart?

It is very difficult to detect an enlarged heart, which usually happens over time. Some symptoms include: shortness of breath, waking up short of breath, swelling of the legs.


What You Should Know About an Enlarged Heart.?

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.


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The causes of heart failure is when your heart is not receiving enough blood. Some of the ways it can do this is when you have a poor diet and your arteries are clogged from trans fats. A proper diet and excercise is beneficial in total heart care.


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Some murmurs are caused by heart valves that do not close completely.


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