Cardiomegaly, or enlarged heart, occurs for multiple reasons. The heart may enlarge temporarily due to stressors such as pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other problems with the heart may cause the muscle to weaken and enlarge. An enlarged heart does not pump effectively. Individuals with cardiomegaly may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness and coughing. Treatment for the condition includes medications and procedures to treat the cause of the enlarged heart.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a medical condition that occurs when the heart does not pump blood effectively. The weakened pumping causes blood flow to slow down and backup in the blood vessels and lungs. Symptoms of heart failure include fatigue and shortness of breath. With a continued enlarged heart, the muscle continues to weaken and causes the ventricles in the heart to stretch, according the Merck Manual of Medical Information. Heart failure is chronic, but treatment options may help improve the quality of life for people suffering from the condition. To improve heart size, a surgeon can remove a portion of the muscle to make the heart smaller and pump more efficiently, according to the American Society of Transplantation.
Blood Clots
An enlarged heart moves blood through the body slowly because of the inefficiency of the pumping action. The slower movement of the blood allows clots to form. A blood clot may form in a blood vessel or inside the heart. Once formed, the clot may travel through the bloodstream from the area and go to the kidney, the extremities, the brain or the lungs, according to the American Heart Association. A blood clot that enters the brain may cause a stroke while one that enters the lungs may cause a pulmonary embolism. Blood thinners can help break down a blood clot before permanent damage or death occurs.
Arrhythmias
Cardiomegaly may cause heart arrhythmias, a disruption or disturbance in the electrical conduction of the heart. With an arrhythmia, the heart can beat erratically, either too quickly or slowly. The affected individual may not have any signs or symptoms associated with the arrhythmia. Other people may feel changes in heart rate, shortness of breath or chest pain. Some cardiac arrhythmias are fatal.
