Enlarged heart condition or Cardiomegaly is not too far-fetched as you may think, as it does not exhibit any symptom until it disrupts your daily life.  Therefore, you need to be vigilant and get proper treatment promptly, to reduce severity and keep the condition under control.

What is Cardiomegaly?

Cardiomegaly is an enlarged or thicken heart from stretched heart muscle. It can be temporary, which can be treated, or permanent.

What is the cause of Cardiomegaly?

It is a condition that causes the heart to work harder or an ailment that damages the heart muscle: such as congenital heart defect, heart arrhythmia, acute myocardial ischemia, or leaking or narrowing heart valve.  In addition, people at risk include those who have hypertension and symptoms of heart failure, etc.

What are the symptoms of Cardiomegaly?

There is little or no symptoms during an initial stage, but the condition gradually progresses and will become more visible.  The symptoms include:

• Fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Exhaustion, palpitation, dizziness
• Swelling in the legs and gaining weight
• Heart arrhythmia
• Wheezing cough
• Chest pain when lying down

If you experience aching in the chest or chest pain, severe grasping for breath, or light-headedness, you need to see a doctor immediately.

Cardiomegaly Diagnosis

This requires a chest X-ray of both the lungs and the heart, to check for any abnormalities. The doctor may also consider using an echocardiogram to examine condition of the heart chambers, functions of the heart muscle and valve, as well as compression.  The examination may include an electrocardiogram to detect arrhythmia as well.  In addition, the doctor may recommend blood test, MRI, CT scan and biopsy to help better diagnose the condition and prescribe a suitable treatment.

Guidelines for Cardiomegaly Treatment 

There are many ways to treat cardiomegaly, depending on its cause. This can be medication, lifestyle modification, use of and implanted electronic device in the chest to monitor and regulate heartbeats, as well as heart valve or coronary artery bypass surgery.  The goal is for the patients to resume their normal lives properly.

Who are at Risk of Cardiomegaly?

People who are at risk of Cardiomegaly include the elderly, smokers, second hand smokers, narcotic addicts and alcoholics, as well as those who are suffering from obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia, congenital heart or heart valve diseases.  They also include people with a family history of heart and coronary artery diseases.

How to Prevent from Cardiomegaly

To prevent cardiomegaly, you should refrain from smoking, avoid cigarettes’ smoke, eat healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and promptly treat any condition that can lead to cardiomegaly – such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetic, and high cholesterol.   Moreover, those who have a family history of heart diseases or are over 35 years old should have a regular annual checkup.  

Cardiomegaly Specialist

Dr. Chattanong Yodwut, Cardiologist, Bangkok Heart Hospital

Click here for an appointment!

Hospital Specialized in Cardiomegaly

Cardiology Clinic at Bangkok Heart Hospital is ready to treat your cardiomegaly condition by our specialized team of medical experts and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, as well as state-of-the-art clinical equipment, for your long healthy lives.