Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease characterized by the asymmetrical enlargement of a section of the heart, notes MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. The predisposition for this disease may be hereditary. Enlarged heart conditions may be detected as early as infancy, according to the American Heart Association.
Abdominal Pain
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may cause pain the abdominal area, notes the American Heart Association. This symptom is considered severe and may also indicate imminent heart failure.
Exhaustion
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can also cause exhaustion, according to MedlinePlus. Exhaustion or fatigue may occur during strenuous physical activities such as exercise, explains the American Heart Association. Enlarged hearts lower the stamina for sustained strenuous physical exertion.
Hypertension
Hypertension is a symptom of an enlarged heart, notes MedlinePlus. The degree of hypertension can vary depending on the scope of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, explains the American Heart Association. Moreover, the overall condition of the valves within the heart can also affect the degree of hypertension.
Impaired Blood Flow
Impaired blood flow through the heart is a symptom of an enlarged heart, notes MedlinePlus. This symptom is directly related to the thickened muscles of the heart that generally impedes the flow of blood out of the heart.
Irregular Heartbeat
Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmia, is a symptom of an enlarged heart, according to MayoClinic.com. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may cause the heart to beat faster or slower at an irregular rate, notes the American Heart Association.
Labored Breathing
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy impairs breathing, notes MayoClinic.com. Breathing is usually shallow and labored even when abstaining from strenuous physical exertion. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy prevents the heart from efficiently interacting with the lungs to ensure a smooth exchange of gases during respiration.
Lightheadedness and Fainting
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause lightheadedness and an overall dizzy sensation, notes MedlinePlus. In some cases, the condition may cause fainting, explains the American Heart Association. As such, physical exertion is not typically advisable.
Nausea
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can also cause nausea. When symptoms are severe, nausea can even lead to vomiting, notes the American Heart Association. The extent of nausea is generally related to severity of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Pain in the Chest Area
Pain in the chest or torso area is a symptom of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, notes MedlinePlus. Infants suffering from this condition may become agitated or even cry due to pain in the chest area.
Swelling in the Eyes and Legs
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause swelling or edema, notes MayoClinic.com. The edema is usually in the area around the eyes and legs, according to the American Heart Association.
