An enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly, occurs as a result of the heart's impaired ability to pump blood throughout the body. The impaired efficacy of the organ causes it to enlarge in an attempt to compensate, putting extra strain on the muscle and potentially leading to further heart problems.One of the factors that can lead to cardiomegaly is high blood pressure, which can be genetic, or caused by hyperthyroidism, obesity, stress, old age, or lack of exercise. An underlying disease or disorder of the heart can be to blame, as well; examples of such causes include heart valve disease or malformation, viral infections of the heart tissue (also known as myocarditis), prior heart attacks or coronary artery disease, and reduced blood flow to the heart. Other culprits include muscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy, which can attack the heart muscle in addition to skeletal muscles.
Some people with mild underlying medical problems, such as a slight thyroid disorder, or a muscular disorder that has yet to be diagnosed, may have a slightly enlarged heart with no discernable symptoms. For those with more severely enlarged hearts, the symptoms can be noticeable and troubling, and include shortness of breath or breathing problems, dizziness or fainting spells, fluid retention, irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, and heart pain or discomfort.
Risk factors of an enlarged heart can be determined by a review of a patient's medical history, and a diagnosis can be made with the help of a number of tests, individually or in combination. Some diagnostic methods include electrocardiogram, which measures electrical activity in the heart; echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to produce a picture of the heart; or even a simple chest x-ray, which shows the size and shape of the heart and lungs.
