Cardiomegaly (Enlarged Heart)

Most people ignore mild abnormalities in heart beats and dizziness until they turn worse. If you are suffering from similar symptoms, do not ignore them for you may be having a case of Cardiomegaly. Read and know what is Cardiomegaly, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

How to Define Cardiomegaly?

Cardiomegaly definition is given as an unusual cardiac condition in which the human heart grows larger in size and becomes bigger than it usually is. The disease is also known as “Enlarged Heart”.

Cardiomegaly Image Source: Wikimedia

Cardiomegaly Causes

Cardiomegaly may arise due to a number of ailments and abnormal health conditions. Some of the main causes of Cardiomegaly are

• High Blood Pressure
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Hypertensive Heart Disease
• Connective Tissue Disease

The condition may also be caused due to excessive workouts and long-time suffering from Anemia. Lack of exercise may also cause this disorder. Usually, heart is enlarged when the organ has to work more than usual and pump more blood.

Cardiomegaly Meaning

The term Cardiomegaly means an enlarged heart.

How Is Cardiomegaly Pronounced?

Cardiomegaly pronunciation is given as “Kar – Dee – o – meg – a – lee”.

Cardiomegaly (Enlarged Heart) Symptoms

Some people affected with Cardiomegaly are usually asymptomatic, meaning they do not suffer from any symptoms. However, many people suffer from difficulties due to this medical condition which shows that their heart is being gradually compromised. Some of the most common Cardiomegaly symptoms are

• Respiratory difficulties
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

In some cases, affected people may suddenly suffer from Cardiac arrhythmia, or an unnatural cardiac muscle contraction. Some other signs include a persistent cough and inflammation of lower limbs.

Cardiomegaly Diagnosis

The diagnosis of this condition usually involves a series of medical tests. In Cardiomegaly X Rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans and blood tests. Blood tests help assess the level of hemoglobin and check platelet and blood cell count. Imaging helps assess the condition of the heart. An electrocardiogram test may also be carried out to check the electrical impulses in the heart.

Cardiomegaly Treatment

Treatment of Cardiomegaly aims at treating the underlying conditions behind the disease and reducing undue stress on cardiac muscles.

If Cardiomegaly is caused by high blood pressure, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and diuretics may be used to reduce pressure level. These medicines also cure problems like water retention and inflammation and improve functioning of heart.

If a damaged valve is the cause of the heart enlargement, surgery may be needed to correct the condition. The faulty valve is replaced with a donated valve or an artificial valve. Cardiac arrhythmia can be cured by implanting a pacemaker or Cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

If all medications and treatment methods fail to bring about an improvement, a total heart replacement may become the only solution.

Cardiomegaly Prevention

This heart disease can be prevented by regular exercise and by making a few dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet can boost your immune system and also prevent heart ailments. It is best to avoid fatty foods altogether or keep them to a minimum. Fat increases your cholesterol levels and makes you vulnerable to heart disorders.

Avoid Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and alcohol intake puts unnecessary stress on your heart and reduces oxygen intake. Avoidance of nicotine and alcohol can be highly beneficial for your cardiovascular system.

Regular Exercise

Moderate exercising on a regular basis increases oxygen intake and improves heart functioning.

Cardiomegaly Natural Remedies

For treatment of Cardiomegaly natural treatment is as necessary as medications. Natural cure is possible by foods as well as workouts.

Apples – The humble apple, which is said to keep the doctor away if taken daily, can also help your heart from getting enlarged. It is a rich source of Vitamin C, which regulates cholesterol levels in blood and defends the capillary walls.

Honey – Honey has always been regarded for its ability to improve blood circulation, reduce irregularities in heart beats and makes heart muscles stronger.

Asparagus Mixture – Make a 2:1 mixture with asparagus juice and honey. Consuming this daily can help reduce enlargement of heart.

Carrot Juice – Mix one-third alfalfa juice with two-third carrot juice. Daily consumption of this mixture can benefit cure heart enlargement.

Onion Juice – Having a spoonful of onion juice in the morning on an empty stomach helps normalize blood cholesterol levels and oxidizes extra cholesterol.

Cardiomegaly Management

The disease needs to be managed with medications and lifestyle modifications. It is important to follow drug prescriptions correctly and take medicines properly. Performing light exercises such as brisk walking and stretching for a short time everyday can help the heart function better and restore normalcy in the body.

Cardiomegaly Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology refers to the functional changes resulting from a disease or an injury. Pathophysiology of Cardiomegaly involves enlargement of heart and its abnormal functioning. The cardiac muscles start working much harder. The heart muscles pump at an increased rate leading to physical discomforts and respiratory difficulties.

What Is Mild Cardiomegaly?

This condition is marked by a minor increase in size of the heart. Mild cases of this disorder generally arise due to diseases like

General Hypertrophy

Hypertrophy is a condition that arises when an organ of the body suffers enlargement.

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Hypertrophy affects only the left lower cardiac chamber. Abnormalities in the cardiac chamber causes increased flow of blood through the heart valves.

Heart Attack

A heart attack leads to a blood clot which cuts of blood flow to cardiac muscles. The cardiac muscle suffers damage or even dies due to this deprivation resulting in heart expansion.

Congestive Heart Failure

This condition arises when high blood pressure, cardiac infection and narrowed arteries reduces blood flow making the heart function harder than usual and grow bigger in size. However dietary changes and medications help restore heart to its normal size.

Cardiomyopathy

This disease leads to cardiac muscle inflammation due to viral infection or other heart ailments.

Cardiomegaly is a completely curable medical condition. If you are suffering from symptoms similar to this disease, visit your doctor and start treatment immediately. Early medical care will help you avoid all future complications and get back to health in no time.