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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Enlarged Heart (Cardiomegaly): Causes and Risk Factors
Introduction
An enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly, is not a disease itself but a sign of an underlying condition. It can develop due to various factors related to the heart and other organ systems.
Causes of an Enlarged Heart
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Chronic high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, leading to thickening and enlargement of the heart muscle.
2. Heart Valve Diseases
Conditions such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation can cause the heart to enlarge due to increased workload.
3. Cardiomyopathy (Heart Muscle Disease)
Various forms of cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive) can lead to heart enlargement.
4. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
CAD reduces oxygen supply to the heart, potentially leading to heart enlargement over time due to myocardial damage.
5. Heart Failure
When the heart cannot pump efficiently, it compensates by enlarging, trying to maintain blood circulation, often worsening the problem.
6. Congenital Heart Defects
Some individuals are born with structural heart defects that can cause the heart to grow larger while trying to maintain function.
7. Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat)
Prolonged arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, can lead to dilation and weakening of the heart muscle.
8. Thyroid Disorders
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to heart enlargement due to effects on metabolism and circulatory demands.
9. Severe Anemia
Chronic anemia forces the heart to pump more blood to supply oxygen, potentially leading to enlarged heart chambers.
10. Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can contribute to fluid overload and high blood pressure, leading to heart enlargement over time.
11. Excessive Alcohol or Drug Use
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy and drug-induced heart disease can both cause the heart to become enlarged.
12. Viral Infections and Myocarditis
Infections like viral myocarditis can cause inflammation, weakening the heart and leading to enlargement.
Conclusion
An enlarged heart can result from various conditions affecting the circulatory, endocrine, renal, and pulmonary systems. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause are essential to managing the condition and preventing complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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