What is an enlarged heart?
A megacardia (cardiomegaly) is a rise within the size of the center. it's not strictly a malady, it's a signal that another health condition affects your heart. Some conditions – like maternity – increase demand on the center. alternative conditions will thicken the center wall muscle or stretch out the center chambers (dilate) that makes the center larger.
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A megacardia might have many causes. together with high vital signs and arteria malady.
It may not pump blood effectively, which might cause symptom failure. It's going to improve over time. however the general public with associate megacardia would like womb-to-tomb treatment with medications.
Medical terms
The heart is a four-chambered organ that serves as a muscle pump supplying the body with oxygenated blood Enlarged heart also known as cardiomegaly and dilated cardiomyopathy refers to an abnormal enlargement of the heart that may be caused by a number of different medical conditions The primary symptoms of enlarged heart are shortness of breath fatigue and chest pain If you notice these symptoms consult your doctor immediately because they can potentially lead to other more serious health problems
with heart murmurs Congenital heart disease is a condition that begins to develop in the womb A heart murmur indicates that there is an abnormality of the blood flow through part of the heart due to structural changes within it In many cases congenital heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death if not treated properly The most common types of congenital heart disease include ventricular septal defect (VSD) patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and atrial septal defect (ASD)
A symptom (cardiomegaly) is not a sickness, however rather a symptom of another condition.
The term "cardiomegaly" refers to AN symptom seen on any imaging take a look at, as well as a chest X-ray. alternative tests area unit then required to diagnose the condition that is inflicting the center to be enlarged.
A symptom is also the result of a short-run stress on the body, like physiological state, or a medical condition, like the weakening of the center muscle, arteria sickness, heart valve issues or abnormal heart rhythms.
Certain conditions might cause the center muscle to become thicker or cause one among the chambers of the center to dilate, creating the center larger. counting on the condition, AN symptom is also temporary or permanent.
A symptom is also treatable by correcting the cause. Treatment for AN symptom will embrace medications, medical procedures or surgery.
Types Enlarged Heart
The heart enlarges because of damage to the heart muscle. Up to a point, an enlarged heart can still pump blood normally. As the condition progresses, though, the heart's pumping ability declines.
Dilated cardiomyopathy. is the main style of megalocardia. The walls of either side (also called ventricles) become skinny and stretched. This enlarges your heart.
In the alternative varieties, the muscular heart ventricle becomes terribly thick. High pressure level could cause your heart ventricle to enlarge (a sort called hypertrophy). The thickening (which doctors decide hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) may be heritable.
A megalocardia keeps additional of its pumping ability once it's "thick" instead of "thin.
Who might get an enlarged heart?
If you have any of the following conditions, you have a higher risk of developing cardiomegaly: -High blood pressure -A history of heart disease -A family history of heart disease
Family history of an enlarged heart.
Heavy alcohol use or drug misuse.
High blood pressure (hypertension).
If you or someone in your family has had a heart attack, you can learn more about the history of this condition.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Causes Enlarged Heart
Any disease that makes your heart work harder can enlarge it. Just as your muscles get bigger when you work them out, your heart gets bigger when it has to work harder.
There are many reasons why an enlarged heart might occur, including:
Anemia.
Arrhythmia (heart rhythm changes).
Cardiomyopathy.
Congenital heart disease.
Heart valve disease.
Thyroid disease.
Symptoms Enlarged Heart
Some people with an enlarged heart don't have any symptoms. Other people with an enlarged heart might experience:
Dizziness.
If someone has swelling (edema), it is likely in their legs, feet, or abdomen.
Fatigue, or being unusually exhausted.
Heart fluttering.
Shortness of breath.
Any symptom may be caused by conditions that cause your heart to pump more durable than usual or that injure your muscular tissue. generally the guts get larger and become weak for unknown reasons. This is often called an upset enlarged heart.
A cardiopathy you are born with (congenital), injury from a coronary failure or associate abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) will cause your heart to enlarge. different conditions related to associate symptom include:
- High blood pressure. Your heart might ought to pump more durably to deliver blood to the remainder of your body, enlarging and thickening the muscle.High pressure level will cause the heart ventricle to enlarge, inflicting the center muscle eventually to weaken. High pressure levels can also enlarge the higher chambers of your heart.
Heart valve disease. Four valves in your heart keep blood flowing within the right direction. If the valve square measure is broken by conditions like infectious disease, a heart defect, infections (infectious endocarditis), associated irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) , animal tissue disorders, bound medications or radiation treatments for cancer, your heart could enlarge.
Cardiomyopathy. This disease of the heart makes it harder for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. As it progresses, your heart may enlarge to try to pump more blood.
High blood pressure in the artery that connects your heart and lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Your heart may need to pump harder to move blood between your lungs and your heart. As a result, the right side of your heart may enlarge.
Fluid around your heart (pericardial effusion). Accumulation of fluid in the sac that contains your heart may cause your heart to appear enlarged on a chest X-ray.
Blocked arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease). With this condition, fatty plaque in your heart arteries hinder blood flow through your heart vessels, which may result in a coronary failure. Once a locality of muscle dies, your heart has got to pump tougher to urge adequate blood to the remainder of your body, inflicting it to enlarge.
Low red blood cell count (anemia). Anemia could be a condition during which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to hold adequate atomic number 8 to your tissues. Untreated, chronic anemia will result in a speedy or irregular heartbeat. Your heart should pump a lot of blood to create up for the shortage of atomic number 8 within the blood.
Thyroid disorders. Both an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can lead to heart problems, including an enlarged heart.
Excessive iron in the body (hemochromatosis). Hemochromatosis is a disorder in which your body doesn't properly metabolize iron, causing it to build up in various organs, including your heart. This can cause an enlarged left ventricle due to weakening of the heart muscle.
Rare diseases that can affect your heart, such as amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is a condition in which abnormal proteins circulate in the blood and may be deposited in the heart, interfering with your heart's function and causing it to enlarge.
When to see a doctor
An enlarged heart is easier to treat when it's detected early, so talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your heart.
Seek emergency medical care if you have any of these signs and symptoms, which may mean you're having a heart attack:
Chest pain
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Severe shortness of breath
Fainting
If you have new signs or symptoms that might be related to your heart, make an appointment to see your doctor.
What foods help an enlarged heart?
A healthy diet filled with fruits veggies whole grains lean proteins and low-fat dairy can help reduce the risk of hypertension or raise good cholesterol while keeping your heart healthy However there are certain foods that should be kept to a minimum in order to prevent an enlarged heart Salt: While sodium contributes to high blood pressure because it causes water retention a high salt intake can also lead to an enlarged heart by making the heart work harder than normal Reducing processed food is the best way to go if you have an enlarged heart and want more control over your dietary salt intake Consider fresh foods like whole grains and small.
Diagnosis Enlarged Heart
A diagnosis starts by discussing your symptoms and family history. Your healthcare provider may order tests to determine if you have cardiomegaly and to exclude other conditions. Some common tests include: 1. Checking your heart size with an ultrasound or X-ray. 2. Evaluating your blood pressure. 3. Taking a blood sample for testing.
Chest X-ray to record images of the chest and heart.
CT scanX-rays can be used to create a video of your heart and blood flow.
EchocardiogramTo evaluate and create an image of your heartbeat and blood flow, you will need to use a heart monitor and a blood pressure cuff.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)To study your heart's electrical activity, you can exercise to raise your heart rate with medicine or exercise.This will help you learn how your heart reacts.
MRIBy using magnets and radio waves, you can create a picture of your heart.
Treatment Enlarged Heart
The enlarged heart treatment focuses on managing the condition that is causing the enlargement of the heart. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to treat any underlying health problems.
Common heart medications include:
Anti-arrhythmicsTo maintain a normal heart rhythm, you need to keep your heart beating regularly.
ACE inhibitors are drugs that help to lower blood pressure. to lower your blood pressure.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to lower your blood pressure.
Anticoagulants to reduce your risk of blood clots.
Beta blockersTaking olive oil supplements can help to control blood pressure and improve heart function.
DiureticsSodium and water pills (like salt tablets) will lower the amount of salt and water in your body.
A heart treatment that includes procedures or surgery may include enlargement of the heart.
A pacemaker can help your heart to beat in a steady rhythm.
An ICD is a device that can shock your heart back into rhythm.
Repair or replace a damaged heart valve.
A bypass or stent placement for the coronary artery is needed.
Prevention Enlarged Heart
If you have a family history of cardiomegaly, you should ask your healthcare provider what you can do to manage your risks. You may also make some lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising.
Eat a heart-healthy diet.
To maintain good health, exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
You can help maintain good blood pressure and cholesterol levels by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly.
Don't smoke and avoid taking drugs that are not legal.
Sleep eight hours each night.
Drink alcohol in moderation.
Many people successfully treat the symptoms of an enlarged heart. The earlier you receive care, the better your chances for a positive outcome. Early treatment of cardiomegaly can stop the condition from worsening.
Does my heart size go back to normal after I have had treatment for an enlarged heart?
Some people have an enlarged heart because of temporary factors. In these cases, the heart will shrink back to its usual size after treatment.
If your enlarged heart is due to a chronic condition, it usually will not go away on its own. You will need to continue medication or other treatments to manage symptoms.
What are the possible health risks associated with having an enlarged heart?
The health risks of an enlarged heart depend on the cause. The risks also vary depending on which part of your heart is enlarged.
Health complications from an enlarged heart can include: 1. Problems with breathing, including shortness of breath and difficulty breathing; 2. Swelling of the feet and ankles, due to increased fluid accumulation in the body; 3. Chest pain, due to the strain on the heart caused by an enlarged heart; and 4. A decreased life expectancy.
Heart attacks and strokes can occur when blood clots form in the bloodstream.
If the left side of your heart is enlarged (left ventricular hypertrophy), you may have heart failure.
If your heart valves don't close properly, you may have a heart murmur.
If your heart is too large, it can cause your heart to beat too slowly or too fast, which can lead to sudden cardiac death.
Living With
If you experience an enlarged heart, go to a doctor as soon as possible. Most of the time, an enlarged heart is not an emergency. If you experience any of the following signs, go to the doctor immediately: chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea or vomiting.
Chest pain.
You might feel pain or tingling in your arms, back, or jaw.
Syncope (passing out).
You may find it difficult to take in enough air.
An enlarged heart is a heart that is bigger than normal. Some people may have an enlarged heart because of a temporary condition, such as pregnancy. Or underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or cardiomyopathy, may lead to an enlarged heart. You can prevent cardiomegaly by living a healthy lifestyle. Having an enlarged heart does not usually go away, but most people are able to manage the condition well with the right treatment.
Preparing for your appointment
If you're thinking that you will have an Associate in Nursing megacardia or square measure troubled concerning your heart condition risk attributable to your case history, build an arrangement together with your doctor. If you've got a heart condition, your doctor could refer you to a cardiologist (cardiologist).
Here's some info to assist you brace oneself for your appointment.
What you can do
Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet or fast before tests.
Write down your symptoms, including ones that may seem unrelated to coronary artery disease.
Write down key personal information, including a family history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes, and major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something you missed or forgot.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Making a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For heart disease, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
What tests do I need?
What's the best treatment?
What foods should I eat or avoid?
What's an appropriate level of physical activity?
Are there restrictions I should follow?
How often should I be screened for heart disease? For example, how often do I need a cholesterol test?
I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
Should I see a specialist?
Should my children be screened for this condition?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
Are there brochures or other printed materials I can take? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:
When did your symptoms begin?
Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
How severe are your symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
What is your typical diet?
Do you drink alcohol? How much?
Do you smoke?
Are you physically active? How often do you exercise?
Have you been diagnosed with other conditions?
Do you have a family history of heart disease?
General summary
Yes Cardiac enlargement and heart failure can be treated with a procedure known as cardiac ablation In this procedure a catheter (a thin tube) is threaded through the blood vessels and into the heart The tip of the catheter has an electrode that produces heat which destroys tissue in a specific area that is causing your symptoms or regulating abnormal heartbeats.