Cardiomegaly, also known as an enlarged heart, is a symptom of some underlying disease or condition such as stress or coronary artery disease. An enlarged heart can return to a normal size if the underlying condition is treated soon enough, but over time, permanent damage may occur. Several complications, some serious, may occur due to the impact cardiomegaly has on the heart itself and the rest of the body.
Heart Failure
A common complication of an enlarged heart is heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood like it should. Heart failure is a chronic, progressive disorder which results in the heart not delivering enough blood to meet the demands of the body. It is a serious condition that over time weakens the heart and dilates the ventricles, chambers that collect blood in the heart, according to HeartFailure.org. Symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue, difficulty in performing physical activity, swelling and dizziness due to inadequate blood flow and fluid congestion or build-up, primarily in the legs and feet.
Blood Clots
The flow of blood is slower through an enlarged heart, increasing the risk of blood clots which can decrease or block the flow of blood to vital organs. These blood clots form in the lining of the heart, but can break away and enter the circulatory system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Blood clots in the heart and blood vessels can lead to a heart attack. Blood clots from the right ventricle of the heart can travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Blood clots traveling the circulatory system may become lodged in the small vessels of the brain causing, a stroke.
Heart Murmur
Over time, cardiomegaly causes the valves of the heart, specifically the mitral and tricuspid, to become dilated, resulting in what is known as a heart murmur. A heart murmur is an abnormal or unusual sound during a heartbeat, often a whooshing or swishing sound. In most cases, a heart murmur is harmless and produces no symptoms, but complications can arise if the heart murmur is severe enough.
Arrhythmias
Cardiomegaly can disrupt the electrical system of the heart, causing arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms or beats. With arrhythmias, the heart may beat too slow or fast, causing palpitations, dizziness and fainting, and chest pain. In some cases, the heart may stop beating completely, resulting in a cardiac arrest, a medical emergency which can lead to brain damage or death if not treated promptly, according to the American Heart Association.
