Cardiomegaly (Enlarged Heart) Treatment in Delhi, India

Overview

Cardiomegaly, also known as heart enlargement, is a condition where the heart increases in size, which can impair its ability to pump blood effectively. This enlargement can be caused by a variety of underlying factors, including congenital abnormalities and chronic diseases.

The heart can enlarge in two ways:

1. Dilatation: The heart walls become thin, widen, and weaken, potentially leading to heart failure.
2. Hypertrophy: The thickening of heart walls causes the heart to become less efficient, often seen in athletes and pregnant women due to prolonged high workload.

Symptoms of Cardiomegaly

Symptoms vary based on the underlying cause and extent of heart enlargement, including:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles & feet (edema)
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or fainting
• Cough, especially at night
• Difficulty exercising or reduced exercise tolerance

Causes of Cardiomegaly

• Hypertension: Prolonged high blood pressure leading to heart muscle thickening.
• Coronary Artery Disease: Blockage or narrowing of coronary arteries damaging the heart muscle.
• Cardiomyopathy: Diseases affecting the heart muscle, such as viral myocarditis and postpartum cardiomyopathy.
• Valvular Heart Disease: Conditions like aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation increasing heart workload.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Structural abnormalities present from birth.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.
• Obesity: Excess body weight straining the heart.
• Pulmonary Hypertension: Increased blood pressure in pulmonary arteries leading to right-sided heart enlargement.
• Chronic Lung Disease: Conditions like COPD causing right-side heart enlargement.

Diagnosis of Cardiomegaly

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation:

• Medical History Assessment: Reviewing symptoms, risk factors, and family history.
• Physical Examination: Checking heart sounds, fluid retention, and overall health.
• Imaging Tests: Echocardiography and sometimes Cardiac MRI for detailed heart images.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Recording electrical activity of the heart.
• Blood Tests: Identifying underlying causes like infections, anemia, or hormonal imbalances.
• NT Pro BNP Test: Assessing fluid accumulation in the body.

Treatment of Cardiomegaly

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and enhancing heart function:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress.
• Medications: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or anticoagulants under a cardiologist’s supervision.
• Surgical Interventions: Repairing or replacing damaged heart valves, bypassing blocked arteries, or correcting congenital defects.
• Implantable Devices: Biventricular pacemakers/defibrillators to regulate heart rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac death.

Risk Factors

Factors increasing the risk of cardiomegaly include:

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Age (older adults are more prone)
• Certain congenital heart defects
• Chronic lung disease

Complications

Untreated cardiomegaly can lead to:

• Heart Failure: Inefficient blood pumping causing fluid buildup.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms causing palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
• Blood Clots: Enlarged chambers increasing clot formation risk, potentially leading to stroke or pulmonary embolism.
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Severe arrhythmias causing the heart to stop beating abruptly.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing chronic conditions like hypertension & diabetes
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Seeking early treatment for cardiovascular or respiratory symptoms
• Regularly monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Outlook

Early detection and treatment of cardiomegaly can prevent the condition from worsening, leading to better outcomes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and following medical advice can help manage symptoms and improve heart function effectively.

Metro Hospitals in Delhi, India, offers advanced treatment for cardiomegaly with a team of experienced heart surgeons, cardiologists, and certified nurses. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centric approach, Metro Hospitals ensures effective and compassionate care for heart enlargement and other cardiac conditions.