Cardiomegaly: Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors

Cardiomegaly is derived from two words cardio which means heart and megaly which means enlargement. So cardiomegaly can be defined as a condition where there is an enlargement of the heart. This is not a disease but a clinical condition signifying some other underlying causes.

Cardiomegaly is of two types

• Dilative cardiomegaly, where there is an enlargement of the left ventricle. This type of cardiomegaly is very common.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: in this condition, the walls of the ventricle becomes thick and obstruct blood flow.

Symptoms :

Cardiomegaly is usually asymptomatic but  when the heart starts to pump blood insufficiently, then symptoms associated with congestive heart failure begins to appear, along with:

• Palpitations in heart
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling /oedema in lower extremities
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Increase in weight
• Fainting

Causes:

• Congenital, cases have been reported of neonates born with this condition
• Hypertension
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Coronary artery disease
• Kidney ailments
• Anemia
• Ailments of the heart muscles
• Ailments of Cardiac Valves
• Hyper and under thyroid activity
• Too much of iron in the body
• Obesity
• History of heart attack
• Smoking tobacco
• Consumption of alcohol
• During pregnancy
• Viral infection of the heart
• Stress
• Substance abuse

Risk factors :

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle (Know about how does physical inactivity affect humans?)
• Thyroid disorder
• Diabetes
• Family history of Cardiac disorder
• Substance abuse
• History of heart attack or other Cardiac ailments

Complications :

• Congestive Cardiac failure, as there is enlargement of the left ventricle, the blood outflow is hindered resulting in congestive Cardiac failure.
• Blood clots, due to enlargement of the heart which results in the formation of blood clots which enter the bloodstream and can be very dangerous and painful.
• A heart murmur can be heard because of backflow of blood
• Cardiac arrest as there is lack of blood supply to the heart also.

Prevention :

• Avoid substance abuse
• Consumption of salt should be less
• Control blood sugar levels
• Do exercise
• Monitor blood pressure
• Eat healthy food
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid stress
• Take medicines that are prescribed

When to see a doctor :

Consult a doctor when you experience the symptoms associated with cardiomegaly. Rush immediately to emergency if symptoms of Cardiac arrest is seen or felt.

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