Is it Common to Have an Enlarged Heart?

The medical term for an abnormal enlargement of the heart is cardiomyopathy. An enlarged heart is not a common occurrence and is a serious condition that usually leads to death if not treated.

Cardiomyopathy

• Cardiomyopathy can be either primary or secondary. A primary cardiomyopathy can't be blamed on a specific cause such as high blood pressure, heart disease or a congenital defect. A secondary cardiomyopathy is attributed to a specific cause, usually related to another organ in the body.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

• In a dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart becomes stretched and enlarged, restricting the ability of blood to flow through the heart. Sometimes a blood clot can form, blocking an artery in the heart. This is called a thrombus.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

• In a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the left ventricle of the heart enlarges and obstructs the flow of blood from this area. This also can cause a leak in the mitral valve.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

• In a restrictive cardiomyopathy, the myocardium or heart muscle becomes stiff or rigid, and the heart loses some of its ability to pump blood efficiently.

Cardiomyopathy Treatment

• The treatment for cardiomyopathy depends on what type the patient has. It can involve surgery or treatment with a anticoagulant drug or beta blocker.