What is the most common cause of enlarged heart?

The most common causes of an enlarged heart are ischemic heart disease and high blood pressure. Ischemic heart disease occurs when narrowed arteries, caused by fatty deposits that build up in your arteries, prevent blood from getting to your heart.

What are the warning signs of an enlarged heart?

Symptoms of an enlarged heart

• breathing problems.
• shortness of breath.
• dizziness.
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• heart palpitations.
• fluid retention.

How long do you live with an enlarged heart?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one-half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive beyond five years.

Can you live a normal life with an enlarged heart?

The effect of an enlarged heart on life expectancy depends in part on the underlying cause. But even with treatment, many people have a downhill course. Most with severe heart disease die within a few years. The treatment for an enlarged heart also depends to some extent on its cause.

Does enlarged heart mean death?

Cardiac arrest and sudden death: An enlarged heart may disrupt the heart’s electrical system, which can lead to a cardiac arrest. This can sometimes result in sudden death. Heart failure: If the heart is so enlarged that it loses its ability to pump blood throughout the body, we call this heart failure.

How do you shrink an enlarged heart?

Take diuretic medication. Diuretics, such as Lasix or Aldactone, flush excess fluid out of your system. This loss of fluid reduces arterial pressure, possibly placing less stress on your heart and allowing it to shrink to a healthy size. Take high blood pressure medication if hypertension is the underlying cause of your cardiomegaly.

What does having a slightly enlarged heart mean?

An enlarged heart may be the result of a short-term stress on the body, such as pregnancy, or a medical condition, such as the weakening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or abnormal heart rhythms.

Does an enlarged heart require surgery?

If your enlarged heart is caused by a problem with one of your heart valves or if it has caused heart valve problems, you may have surgery to repair or replace the affected valve. Coronary bypass surgery. If your enlarged heart is related to coronary artery disease, your doctor may recommend coronary artery bypass surgery.

Does an enlarged heart cause high blood pressure?

An enlarged heart may have several causes. But it’s usually the result of high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. It may not pump blood effectively, which can bring congestive heart failure. It may improve over time. But most people with an enlarged heart need life-long treatment with medications.