Is having an enlarged heart serious?

Depending on the cause of the enlarged heart, it may or may not be reversible. Over time, an enlarged heart can cause serious health problems. Most notably, it can increase the risk of sudden death. In addition, it can cause fluid to build up in the body and lungs, which can lead to heart failure.

What is the life expectancy 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.

Is an enlarged heart life threatening?

Cardiac arrest and sudden death.

An enlarged heart may cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow. The irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) may lead to fainting, cardiac arrest or sudden death.

Can you live a normal life with an enlarged heart?

Usually providers treat an enlarged heart by managing conditions that have caused your heart to thicken or dilate. There is a chance that an enlarged heart will not go away. But most people can manage their symptoms and enjoy a high quality of life.

How do you fix an enlarged heart?

Enlarged Heart Treatment

What are the warning signs of an enlarged heart?

Is it OK to exercise with an enlarged heart?

Moderate exercise can be very beneficial for elderly patients with enlarged hearts. As expected based on previous studies, the medication was about twice as effective in lowering systolic blood pressure — the top number in a blood pressure reading.

Is an enlarged heart a disability?

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common type of heart muscle disease that causes an enlarged heart. Social Security evaluates dilated cardiomyopathy under its disability listing for chronic heart failure.

What does a mildly enlarged heart mean?

An enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) means that your heart is bigger than normal. Your heart can become enlarged if the muscle works so hard that it thickens, or if the chambers dilate. An enlarged heart isn't a disease. It's a symptom of a heart defect or condition that makes the heart work harder, such as: cardiomyopathy.

What foods are good for an enlarged heart?

Is an enlarged heart Genetic?

Description. Familial dilated cardiomyopathy is a genetic form of heart disease. It occurs when heart (cardiac) muscle becomes thin and weakened in at least one chamber of the heart, causing the open area of the chamber to become enlarged (dilated).

What are the 4 stages of heart failure?

Why does heart become enlarged?

An enlarged heart isn't a condition in itself, but a symptom of an underlying problem that is causing the heart to work harder than normal. Some of the many causes include coronary heart disease, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure and heart valve disease.

Can an enlarged heart cause sudden death?

Depending on the cause of the enlarged heart, it may or may not be reversible. Over time, an enlarged heart can cause serious health problems. Most notably, it can increase the risk of sudden death. In addition, it can cause fluid to build up in the body and lungs, which can lead to heart failure.

Does an enlarged heart cause shortness of breath?

Sometimes, an enlarged heart causes no symptoms. If it becomes unable to pump blood well enough, you may get symptoms of congestive heart failure, such as: Shortness of breath (especially when active or when lying flat)

Can you reduce the size of your heart?

University researchers have found that a moderate exercise regimen is just as effective as a common blood-pressure drug in reducing the heart's mass and the thickness of the heart wall in elderly individuals with mild to moderately elevated blood pressure.

Can an enlarged heart be caused by stress?

Contact. DURHAM, N.C. -- When judging whether or not an enlarged heart is healthy or potentially at risk for heart disease, the nature of the physiological stress that produced the enlargement is more important than the duration of the stress, according to a new study led by Duke University Medical Center investigators ...

How long can u live with cardiomyopathy?

Although there have been recent improvements in congestive heart failure treatment, researchers say the prognosis for people with the disease is still bleak, with about 50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years. For those with advanced forms of heart failure, nearly 90% die within one year.

Does cardiomyopathy make you feel tired?

There can be various reasons you may feel tired when you have cardiomyopathy - both physical and emotional. If your heart is not able to pump blood to your body, which includes your muscles, then this can make you feel fatigued, especially after exercise.

Can weight loss reverse an enlarged heart?

Adding pounds can change the structure of your heart and its ability to pump blood. But losing weight can reverse this potentially deadly process, the researchers said.

How can I reverse an enlarged heart naturally?

Add more physical activity to your lifestyle. Eat a heart-healthy diet, generally considered to be one low in saturated fats and high in vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate cardiomegaly. Avoid excess caffeine, which can stress the heart.

Can an ECG detect an enlarged heart?

Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect an enlarged heart as well as determine if a heart is overworked or damaged.

Can drinking alcohol cause enlarged heart?

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is due to drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time, which can weaken your heart so it can no longer pump blood efficiently. Your heart can also become enlarged.

Why does your stomach swell when you have congestive heart failure?

Fluid and water retention.

A weak heart pumps less blood to your kidneys and causes fluid and water retention, resulting in swollen ankles, legs, and abdomen (called edema) and weight gain. This can also cause an increased need to urinate during the night as your body attempts to get rid of this excess fluid.

How quickly does heart failure progress?

Symptoms can develop quickly (acute heart failure) or gradually over weeks or months (chronic heart failure).