The most common causes of an enlarged heart often involve conditions that force the heart to work harder than normal. According to the provided summary, an enlarged heart, or cardiomegaly, is not a disease itself, but a symptom resulting from an underlying issue.
Common Causes of an Enlarged Heart
Here are some of the primary causes identified in the reference:
- Coronary Heart Disease: This condition reduces blood flow to the heart, forcing it to pump harder.
- High Blood Pressure: Over time, high blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body.
- Heart Valve Disease: Damaged or diseased heart valves can make the heart work harder to circulate blood.
- Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, and the cause is often unknown (idiopathic).
Additional Information
It's important to note that an enlarged heart is a symptom, not a disease itself. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for managing and treating this condition. A doctor can diagnose the cause through various tests and recommend the best course of action.
