Cardiomegaly

Cardiomegaly: causes, symptoms and treatment

Cardiomegaly is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged, which can lead to poor heart function. This condition can be caused by various factors such as heart disease, hypertension, lung disease and other reasons.

Causes of cardiomegaly:

The main cause of cardiomegaly is heart disease, such as:

1. Hypertension is increased pressure in the arteries, which can cause the walls of the heart to thicken and increase its size.

2. Coronary heart disease is a disease that occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood and oxygen.

3. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can cause it to become enlarged.

4. Valvular heart diseases are diseases that affect the functioning of the heart valves.

5. Congenital heart defects are abnormalities that appear from birth.

6. Lung diseases - such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can lead to increased pressure in the pulmonary artery and enlargement of the right ventricle of the heart.

Symptoms of cardiomegaly:

Symptoms of cardiomegaly may include:

1. Feeling tired and weak.

2. Shortness of breath during exercise or at rest.

3. Feeling pain or discomfort in the chest.

4. Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen.

5. Increased fatigue.

6. Fatigue during physical activity.

Treatment of cardiomegaly:

Treatment for cardiomegaly depends on its cause. If cardiomegaly is caused by another disease, then this disease must also be treated. If cardiomegaly is caused by hypertension, then blood pressure should be reduced. In some cases, surgery may be required - for example, when replacing a heart valve.

In general, treatment for cardiomegaly is aimed at reducing the load on the heart, lowering blood pressure and improving its function. It is also important to monitor your lifestyle - avoid smoking, watch your diet and engage in physical exercises that do not put strain on your heart.

In conclusion, cardiomegaly is a serious condition that can lead to serious consequences. If you have symptoms of cardiomegaly, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Prompt treatment can help keep your heart healthy and prevent possible complications. It is also important to monitor your lifestyle and take measures to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. Regular examinations and consultations with a cardiologist can help identify possible problems early and prevent the development of cardiomegaly. Taking care of your heart health is taking care of your overall physical and mental well-being.

**Cardiomegaly** (cardomigaly; from cardia - heart and mega - big - Greek; “big heart”) is an abnormal enlargement of one or both ventricles of the heart, as well as expansion of the atria (while maintaining their normal structure in general). With an increase in myocardial mass, the heart muscle thickens, but the performance of the heart decreases because of this.