The medical term for an enlarged heart is cardiomyopathy. There are several types of cardiomyopathy, each causing somewhat different effects. Cardiomyopathy can be caused by high blood pressure, certain viral illnesses, coronary artery disease, or congenital heart defects. Children and adults can be affected; however, it most often occurs in adults over 20 years of age, and has a higher incidence among men.
Extreme Fatigue
Enlarged heart symptoms commonly found among all types of cardiomyopathy are extreme weakness and fatigue. Because the heart cannot effectively pump blood throughout the body, tissues, muscle and organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. People with cardiomyopathy find it very difficult to engage in almost any kind of activity. Exercise is nearly impossible. Activities of daily living like getting dressed, taking a shower, or walking down the driveway to the mailbox can be taxing for people with an enlarged heart.
Chest Pain
Another enlarged heart symptom is chest pain. Chest pain is called angina and can be present when a patient is at rest or when he tries to perform an activity or exercise. People with cardiomyopathy have great difficulty with exertion and are often restricted because of chest pain symptoms.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, called dyspnea, is an enlarged heart symptom associated with cardiomyopathy. The heart cannot fully empty blood out of its chambers when it pumps; blood backs up into the lungs which causes shortness of breath and cough. A patient may need to sleep with his head elevated on several pillows, or even sitting up, because the dyspnea is much worse when reclining. Oxygen therapy may be needed for him to carry out activities of daily living.
Edema
Certain types of cardiomyopathy cause swelling, called edema, throughout the body. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute explains how the heart cannot effectively pump blood out of its chambers. Blood backs up into the venous system causing edema in the feet, ankles, lower legs, hands, and even the abdomen.
Arrhythmias
Whether the enlarged heart is caused by a dilated (stretched and weakened left ventricle) cardiomyopathy or a stiff, thickened left ventricle as seen in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, irregular heart rhythms are a common and serious symptom. Arrhythmias can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and sudden death. The American Heart Association explains that patients with arrhythmia symptoms often need medication or an implanted cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD, to control or stop arrhythmias. An ICD is like a pacemaker, but it is used to deliver electrical energy directly to the heart when it senses a dangerous arrhythmia like ventricular fibrillation which can cause sudden death.
