NEW YORK, July 28: An enlarged heart, known as cardiomegaly, is not a condition on its own but often signifies underlying heart problems. Various conditions, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease, can lead to an enlarged heart.

Symptoms of an enlarged heart vary. Some people may not experience any symptoms, while others may have trouble breathing, a racing heartbeat, and fluid build-up. These symptoms tend to worsen with physical exertion.

Typically, a healthy heart is about the size of a fist. If it is larger, it could indicate cardiomegaly. An enlarged heart can force the heart to work harder, sometimes resulting in tachycardia (rapid heart rate), which can occur even at rest.

Certain symptoms might not be immediately noticeable, but a healthcare provider can identify signs of an enlarged heart during a routine exam. These signs include low pulse pressure and abnormal heart murmurs, known as S3 or S4 gallops. An S3 gallop is an extra sound when the heart relaxes and fills with blood, indicating too much blood in the heart and a weak heart muscle. An S4 gallop occurs when the heart has trouble relaxing properly.

An enlarged heart can also cause pulmonary symptoms, such as difficulty breathing due to ineffective blood pumping, leading to fluid build-up in the lungs. This can cause shortness of breath, trouble breathing while lying down, extreme fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, and swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, abdomen, and neck.

Digestive symptoms can also occur due to fluid build-up affecting the stomach and intestines, resulting in loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, nausea, and early satiety.

Individuals with certain medical histories, such as hypertension, diabetes, pregnancy, or postpartum cardiomyopathy, may be at higher risk of experiencing symptoms of an enlarged heart. If you experience these symptoms or are at risk for cardiomegaly, it is crucial to see a healthcare provider. Important questions to ask include the cause of the enlarged heart, whether it can return to normal size, available treatment options, and how the condition will affect daily life.

An enlarged heart is often a symptom of an underlying heart condition. Not everyone with cardiomegaly will experience symptoms, but those who do may notice a rapid heart rate, low pulse pressure, difficulty breathing, swelling, and fatigue. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and pregnancy can increase the risk of developing these symptoms. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms are present.

Frequently asked questions about an enlarged heart include its potential life-threatening nature and whether it can return to normal size. An enlarged heart can be caused by cardiomyopathy, making pumping blood difficult and potentially leading to heart failure. The ability of an enlarged heart to return to normal size depends on the underlying condition. Treatment often involves addressing the cause of cardiomegaly, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, and assistive devices.