Top 8 FAQs on enlarged heart explained

Enlargement of the heart is a serious condition.

Enlargement of the heart is a serious condition, which is always pathological and can cause progressive cardiac deterioration. It may lead to symptoms of breathlessness, palpitations, chest pain or swelling in the body. Dr Salil Shirodkar, Cardiologist, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital explains the A-Z of an enlarged heart condition.

1. Is having an enlarged heart serious? Enlargement of the heart is a serious condition which is always pathological and can cause progressive cardiac deterioration. It may lead to symptoms of breathlessness, palpitations, chest pain or swelling in the body.

2. What does it mean when your heart is enlarged? This means that there is abnormal dilatation (enlargement) of normal chambers of the heart.

3. Can you die from an enlarged heart? An enlarged heart is associated with increased morbidity and mortality which may shorten or hamper the quality of life.

4. Can an enlarged heart go away? There are certain reversible conditions like hyperthyroidism, certain infections which if treated promptly and adequately can cause regression of an enlarged heart.

5. What causes an enlarged heart? There are various reasons that causes heart enlargement. It can be caused by coronary artery heart disease, abnormalities of cardiac muscle (cardiomyopathies), structural defect in heart valve causing narrowing or leakage of heart, some defects from birth (Atrial septal defect). Sometimes rare condition after pregnancy and abuse of alcohol and chemotherapy drugs.

6. Treatment options for enlarged heart? Treatment options differ as per primary cause. They can vary from medical management which includes diuretics, anti-hypertensives, anti-anginals etc, to surgical correction (CABG, valve replacements, closure of heart defects etc) including cardiac transplantation.

7. Can enlarged heart be prevented? Enlarged heart can be prevented only in specific condition like hypertension by keeping the blood pressure under control. Most of the times it is sequel of underlying heart disease and may not be totally preventable.

8. Can enlarged heart happen to anyone? Certain groups of population are more susceptible to develop an enlarged heart like those with congenital heart disease. Symptoms like breathlessness, palpitations, chest pain, syncope, swelling of the body may be present.

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