What is enlarged heart?
Enlarged heart refers to a condition where the heart’s normal size expands. The heart may become thickened or dilated. In some people, the condition can be permanent. While temporary, among others depending upon the cause and other factors.
Experiencing enlarged heart increases the risk of heart complications such as stroke or heart failure because it prevents the heart to pump blood efficiently.
These short-term stress and medical conditions on the body can cause an enlarged heart:
- · Pregnancy
- · Coronary heart disease
- · Weakening of the heart muscle
- · Heart valve problems
- · Abnormal heart rhythms
Aster Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Dubai has some of the good cardiologists in Dubai.
What are the risk factors of enlarged heart?
Some of the common risk factors include:
- · Family history of an enlarged heart.
- · Heavy alcohol and drug usage.
- · Hypertension.
- · Sedentary lifestyle.
- · Family history of heart attacks.
Causes of enlarged heart
Common causes of enlarged heart include:
- · High blood pressure.
- · Coronary artery diseases.
- · Anemia
- · Abnormal heart valve
- · Arrhythmia
- · Cardiomyopathy.
- · Congenital heart disease.
- · Heart valve disease.
- · Thyroid disease.
- · HIV infection
- · Kidney disease
- · Alcohol abuse
Symptoms of enlarged heart
- · Breathing shortness
- · Swelling
- · Abnormal heart rhythm
- · Dizziness
- · Heart fluttering
Diagnosis and treatment
Echocardiogram:
This method is the best to diagnose major heart issues. There is no pain or risk involved in the process as it will measure the heart’s size, muscle thickness, and functioning. An echocardiogram can also detect the cause of an enlarged heart.
History:
Doctors may get a clue for an enlarged heart by checking one’s history related to problems such as breathing shortness or symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Physical examination:
An enlarged heart may cause swelling and produce abnormal heart. Therefore, a doctor can detect the possibility of the condition through a stethoscope.
Chest X-ray
Doctors can check the heart’s size through this diagnosis.
Cardiac catheterization
This diagnosis can check heart blockage, including the size and pumping.
Blood tests:
Doctors may conduct blood tests if they suspect any condition that leads to an enlarged heart. The conditions may include
- · Thyroid disease
- · Viral infection
CT scans and MRIs:
These procedures may help diagnose an enlarged heart in certain situations.
Biopsy:
A biopsy is used in rare conditions to determine the cause of an enlarged heart.
Treatments:
Medications and surgery may be used to treat an enlarged heart. The treatment depends on factors such as severity, etc.
Some of the common medications include
- · Diuretics (salt pills or water pills).
- · Anti-arrhythmics.
- · Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
- · Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
- · Anticoagulants.
- · Beta blockers.
Surgery procedure may include:
- · Implantation of a pacemaker.
- · Implantation of cardioverted-defibrillator (ICD).
- · Repair or replace a damaged heart valve.
- · Coronary artery bypass or stent placement.
What are the home remedies?
One can help reduce your chance of developing heart failure consuming a healthy diet and not abusing alcohol or using illicit drugs. Controlling high blood pressure with diet, exercise and possibly medications also prevents the development of heart disease and failure.
Aster Hospitals always suggest to maintain a healthy heart.