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Enlarged Heart Medical Symptoms

Enlarged heart, also referred to as cardiomegaly, is not a disease but rather the symptom of a separate condition. Cardiomegaly is the term used by medical staff to describe an enlarged heart seen on an x-ray, physical examination, CT Scan or MRI prior to other tests or before a specific diagnosis can be given. Stress on the body, such as pregnancy, may cause a temporarily enlarged heart.

  1. Cardiomegaly--Enlarged Heart

    • Sometimes medical conditions like heart muscle weakening, heat valve problems, coronary artery disease and abnormal heart rhythms can cause cardiomegaly. Prevention may not be possible but multiple treatments are available. Treating an enlarged heart is typically targeted at healing the underlying condition. Surgery, medications and medical procedures are ways in which the underlying condition can be treated.

    Causes

    • Cardiomegaly does not always develop for an apparent reason, but conditions that would cause the heart to pump harder than normal do exist. Conditions like high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, arrhythmia, thyroid disorders, anemia and amyloidosis can cause an enlarged heart.

    Risk Factors

    • Congenital heart disease, family history, high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy are all risk factors for an enlarged heart. The risk for developing cardiomegaly is greater with these symptoms or conditions than without. Coronary heart disease and valvular heart disease are two other conditions that create a high risk for a person to have an enlarged heart.

    Symptoms

    • In some cases an enlarged heart causes no symptoms at all, and in other cases the symptoms can be uncomfortable or unbearable. Dizziness, shortness of breath, breathing problems, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), cough and swelling (edema) are all symptoms that could indicate an enlarged heart, according to the Mayo Clinic. Treatment for cardiomegaly is easiest when detected early on; discussing heart health with a physician is a positive way to stay a step ahead. Discuss with your doctor ways to reduce the risk before it exists. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, see your doctor immediately.

    Treatments

    • By focusing on curing the underlying condition, physicians treat the enlarged heart at the same time and the chances of diminishing the enlarged heart increase. A variety of medications are used to treat heart failure symptoms, such as beta blockers and diuretics. Several medical procedures and surgeries can also be performed to treat the condition. Pacemakers and ICDs (implantable-cardioverter defibrillators) are devices that can be implanted into the body for treatment. Heart valve surgery and heart transplants are surgical procedures that also may be performed.

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