Define Cardiomegaly

Cardiomegaly is defined in the medical community as the condition of having an enlarged heart. While not a disease in itself, cardiomegaly is often an indicator of some types of diseases or physical ailments that need to be treated. Understanding the causes and symptoms of cardiomegaly can help those with the condition seek appropriate treatment and care. For those with a family history of heart conditions or problems, getting regular checkups is important for maintaining overall heart health and identifying any problems early on.

Significance

• Cardiomegaly, strictly defined, is a condition in which a heart enlarges at an unhealthy ratio. The condition has many causes, including stress, pregnancy, coronary artery disease, weakening of the heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythms or heart valve issues. For someone with cardiomegaly, the condition is an indicator of another disease or physical condition that will require care by a health professional.

  Cardiomegaly is a treatable condition in most cases, needing medication or in some cases surgery, but it also serves as an indicator of other physical issues, making it an important condition to have treated.

Effects

• Cardiomegaly can lead to high blood pressure, valvular or congenital heart disease, blocked arteries within the heart, heart failure, blood clots, heart murmurs and in rare cases cardiac arrest. All of these conditions are serious and in some cases can become life-threatening. Symptoms of cardiomegaly should not be ignored; anyone who exhibits symptoms of cardiomegaly should see a doctor.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of cardiomegaly can consist of difficulty breathing, dizziness and swelling of the feet and ankles. Fatigue, irregular heartbeat and signs of congestive heart failure are also common symptoms of cardiomegaly. Tenderness of the chest, certain forms of edema and a thickening of the heart muscle as it struggles to pump blood effectively can also accompany cardiomegaly.

  While many symptoms of cardiomegaly can be associated with other diseases, seeing a doctor for regular checkups and in the case of symptomatic evidence of cardiomegaly can help an individual prevent or treat the condition.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to prevent or treat a heart condition like cardiomegaly is to see a doctor; if an individual has a history of cardiomegaly or other heart diseases, their chances of also having the condition are increased. Treatment begun early is more effective. In some cases, a cardiologist will be able to offer more specific treatment and care for someone with cardiomegaly, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  Medications like diuretics and beta blockers can be used to treat cardiomegaly; in some cases surgery is an option. Prevention of cardiomegaly, especially in those with a family history of the condition, is difficult; however, avoiding drug abuse, controlling risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, and maintaining a healthy blood pressure will all contribute to a lower risk of the condition.

Considerations

• All heart conditions are indicators not only of cardiac problems, but can also point to other diseases or physical issues which need addressed. The causes of cardiomegaly range from stress to pregnancy to drug abuse, and in all cases, the cause needs to be addressed as well as the condition itself.
  Scheduling an appointment with a doctor, both for regular check-ups and if symptoms of cardiomegaly manifest, is the best way to correctly diagnose the condition and any other health problems and begin the proper treatment in order to regain wellness.