Cardiomegaly refers to a medical condition in which the heart is enlarged long standing. The most critical etiologies attributed to the development of cardiomegaly include hypertension, coronary artery disease, inflammatory cardiomyopathy (myocarditis), and valvular heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia. If left untreated, this condition may interfere with cardiac function.
Signs and Symptoms
The initial stage of conditions often show no symptoms. However, if leftover time, an enlarged heart can develop the worsen cardiac output, which may lead to these listed complications below:
- Difficulty breathing, rapid exhaustion with physical activity.
- Fatigue.
- Coughing, when lying down.
- Both leg and eyelid swelling.
- Heart palpitations and lightheadedness.
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).
- Angina, when
Who is at risk for Cardiomegaly
- Smoker or secondhand smoke.
- Older age.
- Alcohol dependence and other harmful substances abuse.
- Obesity.
- Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia.
- Underlying coronary artery disease.
- Congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, chronic anemia.
- Family history of heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease.
Prevention
- Smoking cessation and avoiding secondhand smoke exposure.
- Consuming a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly.
- Controlling alcohol consumption.
- Managing obesity.
- Control related diseases include hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
- Patients who have been diagnosed with heart disease or age over 35, annually health assessment are required.
Treatment
Treatment options for cardiomegaly depend on the symptoms and factors linked to enlarged heart.
- When obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia are the underlying cause of cardiomegaly.
Prescription for improving the underlying disease and lifestyle modifications are recommended.
- When valvular heart disease is the underlying cause of cardiomegaly.
Surgery is recommended.
- When arrhythmia is the underlying cause of cardiomegaly.
Pacemaker implantation is recommended.
- When you have a worsening symptom, edema , shortness of breath.
Need to control and improve symptom by medication from cardiologist.
Prevent a worsening episode is required to stop the progression of disease.
Management
- Take prescription medicines strictly as prescribed by a physician.
- Behaviour modifications, avoiding risk factors include smoke exposure, alcohol dependence, and foods affect risk of heart disease.
- Regular exercising and proper rest are must.
- Treating and managing the underlying cause of cardiomyopathy.
