Cardiomegaly (Enlarged Heart) | MedStar Health

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Cardiomegaly or enlarged heart is not a condition itself, but rather a symptom of other heart conditions such as a heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and heart valve disease. As the heart weakens, it can grow bigger trying to improve blood flow to the body. This enlargement can be temporary, for example, during pregnancy, or it may be permanent. People are at increased risk of developing cardiomegaly if they have a family history of cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure or heart conditions that can cause heart enlargement.

Medical illustration showing a normal heart and an enlarged heart.

Cardiomegaly is caused by any condition that makes the heart work harder than usual or by heart muscle damage. There are a variety of medical conditions which can cause cardiomegaly, including:

  • Cardiomyopathy - diseases of the heart muscle
  • Congenital heart defects which are present at birth.
  • Heart attack which can damage heart muscle.
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart valve disease
  • Pericardial effusion – fluid buildup in the sac around the heart.
  • Cardiac amyloidosis – caused by protein deposits in the heart.
  • Anemia
  • Thyroid disorders

Complications of cardiomegaly include heart failure, leaky heart valves, blood clots, heart rhythm disorders, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.

Early diagnosis can help prevent the enlarged heart from getting progressively worse. Following a heart-healthy diet can prevent or help control cardiovascular conditions that can result in an enlarged heart.

Symptoms

Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Arrythmias (irregular heartbeats)
  • Swelling in the abdomen or legs

Call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms or a heart attack or stroke:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Excessive sweating
  • Pain that radiates from your chest to the upper arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach. 
 

Tests

  • Chest X-Ray
    This test uses a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

  • Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
    The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

  • Echocardiogram
    An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
    An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Treatments

The scope of treatments your physician recommends depends on the identification of the underlying medical conditions. Your physician may prescribe medication to control blood pressure, the buildup of fluids, beta blockers and other drugs to strengthen the pumping function of the heart or drugs to slow the heart rate. Pacemakers are used to control heart beats. If the enlarged heart is due to heart valve disease, patients can receive a mechanical or biologic heart valve. Patients who have advanced heart failure may be candidates for a heart pump (ventricular assist device) or a heart transplant. 

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MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.