Nothing is better than having a (metaphorical) big heart full of love and kindness. But if your heart is enlarged, then we have a problem. An enlarged heart is a symptom directing towards a critical heart problem. You can find the best treatment for this condition at Dr. Gaurav Jain chambers in Lucknow.
What Is An Enlarged Heart?
An enlarged heart is medically known as cardiomegaly. In it, the walls of your heart, i.e. the heart muscles become bigger and firmer. It is not a disease in itself but an indication of an underlying heart condition. Typically, your heart becomes enlarged if the heart muscles are overworked, i.e. the heart requires to pump blood with higher force.
What Causes An Enlarged Heart?
Like mentioned before, your heart enlarges if it has to work harder. Just like the muscles in your arms and legs tone up with more exercise, the muscles in the heart tend to do the same. But unlike your limb muscle, harder heart muscles means that the heart will gradually harden up and its function will be reduced.
The diseases which may cause you to have an enlarged heart are:
- High BP
- Heart valve disease
- Disease of the heart muscle
- Fluid around your heart
- Alcohol and drugs abuse
- Less RBC in blood
- Thyroid disorder
- Excessive iron in the body
- Kidney disease that needs dialysis
- Infection in the heart
- Genetic predisposition
Sometimes, the heart enlarges and becomes weak for unknown reasons as well. Rare diseases that affect your heart, such as amyloidosis, can be a cause as well.
What Are The Symptoms Of Having An Enlarged Heart?
Having an enlarged heart is a symptom itself. Hence, many a time, people who are developing this condition, are not aware of it until other relevant symptoms of the underlying disease surfaces.
Nonetheless, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Leg swelling
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
If you experience these symptoms, you may have an enlarged heart or a risk of developing one in the future. An enlarged heart can be treated better if the treatment starts early. So, even if you do not show any symptoms if it always wise to get your heart checked once a year.