Congestive heart failure and heart disease are two of the serious medical conditions that can hurt your body in a number of ways. Yet these conditions -- and several others -- can lead to a health problem with its own risk factors: an enlarged heart. If you have an enlarged heart, it's essential that you understand the potential complications of this condition and how to treat it.
Causes
Several conditions and illnesses can cause an enlarged heart, including hypertension, thyroid disorders and anemia. The thickening of the heart, known as cardiomyothapy, and protein buildup around the heart are also potential culprits. Other forms of heart conditions or dysfunction such as arrhythmias, congenital defects and heart valve disease can play a role in developing an enlarged heart, the Mayo Clinic says.
Symptoms
Although you may not experience symptoms of the condition, there are some signs to keep in mind. Shortness of breath or having problems with breathing are possible symptoms. In addition, dizziness, persistent coughing, swelling and having an arrhythmia are other potential signs of an enlarged heart, the Mayo Clinic says. Other health conditions can cause these symptoms, so consult a physician if you're experiencing any of these problems.
Effects
Having an enlarged heart can have serious, life-threatening effects on your health. In addition to developing a heart murmur, you're at greater risk for developing blood clots. Clots may form in the heart's lining; if they are released into the circulatory system, they can cut off blood supply to your organs. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke, depending on what organs are blocked by the blood clots. If the left ventricle of your heart is enlarged, this puts you at particular risk for developing heart failure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Abnormal beating of the heart can cause cardiac arrest or death.
Exercise
Exercise can improve your life if you have an enlarged heart; however, it's imperative that you discuss any physical activity plans with your physician beforehand. Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, may reduce the size of your heart. A study on the effect of moderate exercise on people with an enlarged heart was published in 2004 in the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. The study found that after participants completed a one-month flexibility program and five months of moderate exercise, the size of the lower heart chambers was reduced. This research involved patients who had an enlarged heart due to hypertension.
Treatment
The medical plan for treatment focuses on the primary condition causing your enlarged heart. For instance, beta blocker medications are prescribed to lower blood pressure. Diuretic drugs can be used to reduce the amount of pressure on your heart. In some cases, you may need surgery to treat your heart condition. Devices such as pacemakers and defibrillator implants are used to treat cardiomyothapy or arrhythmias. When medications and medical procedures don't work, a heart transplant may be your last option, according to the Mayo Clinic.
