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Cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, can be caused by various factors including congenital conditions, disease, and impaired body system function. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication or surgery. Complications can include heart failure, heart attack, and sudden death.
Cardiomegaly is a medical term used to describe an enlarged heart. Considered a symptom rather than a condition, cardiomegaly can occur in response to a variety of circumstances that can cause the heart muscle to work harder than normal. Treatment for an enlarged heart depends on the underlying cause and may involve the use of medications and require surgery. If left untreated, cardiomegaly can lead to premature death.
Situations that can contribute to the development of cardiomegaly can include congenital conditions, disease, and impaired body system function. Individuals born with a heart defect may develop an enlarged heart due to improper circulation of blood through the heart muscle. Some diseases can cause the heart muscle to pump more than normal, such as anemia, high blood pressure, and heart valve disease. Other conditions, such as thyroid disorders and arrhythmias, can contribute to the strain on the heart. Improper processing and distribution of proteins and minerals within the body system can also lead to the weakening of the heart muscle which negatively affects the heart function.
Some individuals who develop cardiomegaly may remain asymptomatic, meaning they experience no symptoms. Others may gradually show signs that their heart function is impaired. Difficulty breathing, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common signs associated with an enlarged heart muscle. Some individuals can suddenly develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia. Additional symptoms may include swelling of the legs and fingers and a persistent cough.
A variety of diagnostic tests can be done to confirm cardiomegaly. After an initial consultation and examination with a physician, an individual may be sent for a battery of tests. Blood tests may be ordered to evaluate levels of substances, such as hemoglobin, blood cell and platelet counts, and to rule out other conditions. Imaging tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and a computed tomography (CT) scan, may be done to evaluate the condition of the heart muscle. Additionally, an electrocardiogram may be ordered to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart.
Treatment for an enlarged heart focuses on correcting the underlying condition and relieving the unnecessary stress placed on the heart muscle. Individuals whose cardiomegaly is caused by the presence of heart failure may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms. Diuretics, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can be given to lower blood pressure, relieve swelling and fluid retention, and improve heart function. Those for whom medications may not be enough may require surgery.
Implantation of artificial instrumentation, such as an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker, may be necessary to monitor, stabilize, and support an adequate heart rhythm. If an individual’s enlarged heart is caused by a damaged valve, surgery may be done to replace the defective valve with an artificial or donor valve. In critical cases where the individual’s condition may not be controlled by medication and all other avenues of treatment have failed, a heart transplant may be the only option left.
Complications associated with an enlarged heart depend on which part of the heart is affected, the severity of the enlargement, and the underlying cause. Those whose enlarged heart originates from the left ventricle are at increased risk of developing heart failure, which occurs when the heart is unable to meet the demands placed on it by the body. Some individuals with cardiomegaly may develop a heart murmur or blood clots. Other complications associated with this condition include heart attack and sudden death. Individuals who have been diagnosed with conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease have a higher risk of developing an enlarged heart.
