Cardiomegaly is the clinical term for an enlarged heart. Cardiomegaly is not a disease in and of itself but is a symptom of other underlying disorders. This disease is typically found after a patient receives a chest X-ray. Cardiomegaly can be temporary (after physical exertion or pregnancy, for example) or be a result of a more-serious chronic condition.
Forms
There are two different types of cardiomegaly. HealthScout notes that one form is called dilated cardiomyopathy and is the result of the heart muscle becoming weak. This causes the chambers of the heart to enlarge. The other form of cardiomegaly is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and is a result of the heart muscle itself thickening.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, the main symptoms of cardiomegaly result from the heart struggling to pump blood effectively through the body. Common symptoms include trouble breathing or shortness of breath, as well as dizziness. Some patients develop an abnormal heart rhythm. Edema can also be caused by cardiomegaly.
Causes
Anything that forces the heart to pump harder than normal can result in the heart becoming enlarged. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, for example, puts additional strain on the heart, causing it to enlarge. Some drugs can also lead to the heart becoming enlarged. Other causes include problems with the heart valves, congenital defects in the heart and anemia.
Complications
The most serious complication of an enlarged heart is heart failure, which is the result of the heart not being able to meet the strain being put upon it. Cardiomegaly can also lead to blood clots, heart murmurs, as well as an increased risk of having a heart attack and dying suddenly.
Treatment
The best treatment for cardiomegaly is to identify and eliminate (if possible) the underlying cause of the cardiovascular strain. High blood pressure can be treated with diuretics and other hypertension medications. Some patients may require a pacemaker or a defibrillator to correct cardiac arrythmias, or surgery to treat damaged heart valves.
