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Can an Enlarged Heart Be Repaired?

An enlarged heart may also be referred to as cardiomegaly. This condition may be only temporary due to pregnancy or as a symptom of other diseases such as coronary artery disease. An enlarged heart is usually treatable by treating any underlying conditions causing the cardiomegaly.

  1. Effects

    • An enlarged heart may cause symptoms such as dizziness, arrhythmia, breathing problems, coughing and swelling.

    Causes

    • Causes of an enlarged heart include high blood pressure, anemia, thyroid diseases, heart valve disease and heart muscle weakness. Some types of congenital heart defects may lead to an enlarged heart. Also, excessive protein or iron in the body can cause an enlarged heart.

    Diagnosis

    • An enlarged heart may be diagnosed with a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or a CT scan. Also, blood tests may also indicate heart enlargement.

    Treatments

    • Medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and Digoxin may be used to treat an enlarged heart. Surgery may be needed to repair a faulty heart valve or implant a pacemaker in some cases. In severe cases, a heart transplant may be needed.

    Warning

    • An enlarged heart may eventually lead to heart failure or cardiac arrest. Also, it can increase the risk of blood clots or developing a heart murmur.

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