Heart Enlargement: An Overview
Heart enlargement, or cardiomegaly, is a condition characterized by an increase in the size of the heart. This can occur as a response to various factors, including high blood pressure, heart valve disease, and other medical conditions. Understanding the causes, dangers, and management strategies for heart enlargement is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Causes of Heart Enlargement
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
– Chronic hypertension forces the heart to work harder, leading to thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy) and eventual enlargement. Studies indicate that uncontrolled hypertension is a significant risk factor for developing cardiomegaly (Whelton et al., 2018).
2. Heart Valve Disease
– Conditions affecting the heart valves, such as stenosis or regurgitation, can lead to increased workload on the heart, resulting in enlargement. Research shows that valvular heart disease can lead to a range of structural changes in the heart (Nishimura et al., 2014).
