Shortness of breath, dizziness, an abnormal heart rhythm and swelling can all be signs of an enlarged heart, medically known as cardiomegaly. The Mayo Clinic says that other symptoms include dizziness and a cough. Some of its risk factors include having blocked heart vessels and having problems with the valves in the heart.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure refers to a condition in which too much pressure is being place against the blood vessel walls. This makes it more difficult for blood to be distributed throughout the body. As a result, the heart has to pump harder, which can make the heart more enlarged.
The Mayo Clinic says that specific symptoms of high blood pressure include dizziness and headaches.
Risk factors for high blood pressure include being male, being African American and having a family history of high blood pressure. Other risk factors for high blood pressure include being obese, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and being in a constant state of stress.
Changing the diet, exercising daily and avoiding stressful situations can help manage high blood pressure. Also, taking medications such as hydrochlorothiazide, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can also help manage high blood pressure.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to a condition in which the heart actually thins or thickens, which can lead to an enlarged heart. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that three types of cardiomyopathy exist: dilated, restrictive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart becomes weakened and gets larger as it struggles to pump blood to the rest of the body. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a condition which refers to a condition in which the heart becomes still and cannot adequately fill with blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a medical problem in which the heart muscle becomes thick.
Some symptoms of cardiomyopathy include shortness of breath, chest pain and leg swelling.
Some causes of cardiomyopathy include alcohol or cocaine use, pregnancy, end-stage kidney disease and chemotherapy medications.
Treating cardiomyopathy involves taking such medications as beta blockers, diuretics, angiotensin receptor blockers and digoxin. Sometimes, surgery may be needed to implant a defibrillator, repair damaged valves or transplant a new heart.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis refers to a condition in which iron accumulates in the body, especially such organs as the heart. This can gradually lead to an enlarged heart.
The Cleveland Clinic says that common symptoms of hemochromatosis include joint pain, general weakness, stomach pain, weight loss and fatigue.
This disease can be inherited or it can be the result of blood transfusions, kidney dialysis or oral iron pills.
Treating hemachromatosis involves removing the blood through a method called phlebotomy and receiving iron chelation therapy (type of treatment) that removes iron from the body. Sometimes, limiting iron intake and avoiding alcohol are just some other ways to manage hemochromatosis.
