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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