Enlarged Heart
Enlarged Heart Causes
There are many causes which can result from enlarged heart. Hypertension, heart valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, thyroid disorders, excessive iron in the body (hemochromatosis) or abnormal protein buildup in an organ (amyloidosis) might be the primary problem of having a sign of an enlarged heart.
Enlarged Heart Definition
Enlarged heart or cardiomegaly is a sign of an underlying problem.
Enlarged Heart Diagnosis
There are several tests to confirm the diagnosis besides from personal and family medical history and physical exam which your doctor will conduct before performing other clinical examinations. If one of the differential diagnosis of your doctor is cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart) following tests may include chest x ? ray showing your heart to enlarged, echocardiogram produces images of your heart, electrocardiogram shows any disturbances in the electrical activity of your heart, cardiac catheterization and biopsy extraction of small sample of your heart and analyze in the laboratory, and blood test for an increase in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) when your heart is in stress of heart failure which a complication of cardiomyopathy.
Enlarged Heart Symptoms and Signs
Some people with cardiomegaly or enlarged heart don't present any sign or symptoms. Some symptoms that patient will present with enlarged heart may experience shortness of breath (SOB), difficulty of breathing (DOB), dizziness, arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) or edema (swelling).
Enlarged Heart Treatment
The goal of treatment is directed towards the underlying cause of the enlarged heart.