enlarged heart

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

An enlarged heart, medically termed cardiomegaly, is a symptom.

A person can develop an enlarged heart temporarily because of a stress on the body, such as pregnancy, or because of a medical condition, such as the weakening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or abnormal heart rhythms.

An enlarged heart may be treatable by correcting the cause. Treatment for an enlarged heart can include medications, medical procedures or surgery.

An enlarged heart can be caused by conditions that cause the heart to pump harder than usual or that damage the heart muscle. Sometimes the heart enlarges and becomes weak for unknown reasons.

A congenital cardiac defect, which a person is born with, damage from a heart attack or an abnormal heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia, can cause the heart to enlarge.

You should avoid alcohol and caffeine and soda. Absolutely no smoking and avoid second hand smoking. Limit your salt and fat intake. Generally, you need to follow a low fat, fresh and healthy diet with fruit, vegetables and lean protein. If you need to lose weight, do so. Exercise is also important but check this with your doctor first to make sure you are strong enough. Your doctor should be able to print out a heart-healthy diet sheet for you.
Best,
Susan