Cardiomegaly is an enlarged heart occur due to the result of high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. An enlarge heart may lead to defective blood pumping. Usually, cardiomegaly condition may improve over time but many people with an enlarged heart may need lifelong treatment with medication. The major cause of an enlarged heart is blockages in the heart\'s blood supply and high blood pressure and the other causes include:
- Viral infection of the heart
- Abnormal heart valve
- HIV infection
- Pregnancy with enlarged heart development during delivery
- Kidney disease
- Alcohol or cocaine consumption
- Genetic and inherited conditions
Some of the symptoms of cardiomegaly:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the leg
- Increased abdominal girth
- Palpitations of skipped heartbeats
When should you consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath and frequent fainting. The doctor would conduct various tests that help diagnose an enlarged heart.
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