Everything You Need To Know About Heart Enlargement (Cardiomegaly) Treatment
An enlarged heart is a condition in which the size of the heart increases. All or some of the heart might become enlarged. Most individuals with an enlarged heart require lifelong treatment with medications. On this page, we will look at heart enlargement in detail such as what is heart enlargement, what are the causes and symptoms of heart enlargement, how to diagnose heart enlargement, what are the treatments for heart enlargement, who are the best doctors for heart enlargement treatment in India, and which are the top hospitals for heart enlargement treatment in India.
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What is heart enlargement?
An enlarged heart (or cardiomegaly) refers to a heart which is bigger than its normal size. The heart might be unusually thick or dilated. An enlarged heart might be permanent or temporary, depending upon the cause. Cardiomegaly may happen to the whole heart or only parts of it. Heart enlargement can indicate the heart’s reaction to something which forces it to make more effort to circulate blood. In certain cases, the heart becomes enlarged because of an underlying problem with the heart.
Causes and Symptoms
Causes
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart valve disease
- Lack of exercise
- Old age
- Thyroid disease
- Irregular heart rhythm
Symptoms
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fluid retention
- Heart palpitation
- Heart fluttering
Diagnosis
Medical history: This includes physical examination.
Chest x-ray: This test lets the doctor see the overall shape as well as size of the heart and lungs.
Echocardiogram: Sound waves are sent to a machine to produce a picture of the beating heart, which allows the doctor to see the heart as its chambers relax and contract.
Doppler study: This test will show how the blood flows through the heart valves, thus helping evaluate whether the valves are functioning properly.
Electrocardiogram: It measures electrical activities in your heart and can evaluate heart rhythm and evidence of previous ischaemia or infarction.
Exercise stress test: This test raises the heart rate with medicines or exercise to know how your heart responds.
Heart MRI: It uses radio waves and magnets to produce detailed pictures of the heart.
Genetic testing: It helps see if a person has an underlying genetic problem leading to an enlarged heart.
Risk & Complications
Bleeding: It might happen at the incision site or from the region of the heart where surgery is done.
Ischemic Heart Damage: This is damage to heart tissues caused due to a lack of blood flow to the heart.
Abnormal Heart Rhythm: In some rare cases, a permanent inteal or temporary exteal pacemaker may be required to correct this problem.
Death: The risk of death increases in surgery where the heart is temporarily stopped for the procedure.
Stroke: Often results due to clots in the blood following surgery.
Blood Loss: A transfusion may be needed in some rare cases.
Blood Clots: Clots in and around the heart may travel through the bloodstream.
Emergency Surgery: If a problem is encountered after surgery, emergency surgery might be required to repair any problems.
Cardiac Tamponade: This is a life-threatening condition where the pericardium fills with blood. This makes it difficult for the heart to properly function.
Preparation of Treatment
Preparing before undergoing heart surgery to treat heart enlargement is vital. Evidence suggest that preparatory deep breathing exercise will help lower the risk of developing pneumonia during the surgery. Consult your dentist before the procedure because a low-grade infection in the mouth may cause infection in your heart valve during surgery. You need to follow a balanced diet before the procedure and increase the intake of vegetables. Quit tobacco smoking as smokers tend to suffer from respiratory issues and pneumonia frequently after anesthesia. Excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with more complications after heart surgery. So, it is important to limit alcohol consumption. Regular gentle exercise will help you in preparing for heart surgery.
Best Doctors for Heart Enlargement (Cardiomegaly) Treatment
How to prevent heart enlargement?
There are several ways of preventing heart enlargement. Remain aware of your family’s health history. Treating the underlying conditions early will help prevent an enlarged heart. Exercise and follow a heart-healthy diet. Keep in control your blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol levels. Continue having your prescription medications. Quit smoking and avoid recreational drugs. Aim to have 8 hours of sleep every night. Consume moderate amount of alcohol. Limit salt and trans and saturated fats.
Treatment Option
Medications: When an enlarged heart causes congestive heart failure, medications focus on easing symptoms. Medications include diuretics, blood pressure medicines, anticoagulants and anti-arrhythmia drugs.
Pacemaker: A pacemaker is generally implanted near the collarbone. If your heart rate is too slow or if it stops, a pacemaker will send out electrical impulses which stimulate the heart to beat at a normal rate.
Heart transplant: A heart transplant is considered the final treatment option for an enlarged heart which cannot be treated in any other ways. Due to the shortage of donor hearts, even individuals who are critically ill might have a long wait before undergoing a heart transplant.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): If the enlarged heart causes serious heart rhythm problems or you are at greater risk of sudden death, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be implanted. An ICD is a small, battery-powered device placed under the skin near the collarbone. The ICD will continuously monitor the heart rhythm. In case the ICD identifies an irregular heartbeat, it will send out low or high-energy shock to reset your heart rhythm.
Coronary bypass surgery: If an enlarged heart results from a blockage in the coronary arteries, an open-heart surgery might be performed to reroute flow of the blood around a clogged artery.
Heart valve surgery: If an enlarged heart occurs due to heart valve disease, surgery might be required to repair or replace the affected valve.
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD): If a person has heart failure, their doctor might recommend this implantable mechanical pump to let the heart pump. You might have a left ventricular assist device implanted as you wait for a heart transplant or, if you are not a suitable candidate for heart transplant.
Cost of the treatment
Cost of heart enlargement treatment
The cost of heart enlargement treatment in India ranges from $2,200 to $6,000. Heart enlargement treatment cost in India depends on many factors, such as the fees of the surgeon, the health conditions of a patient, type and location of the clinic or hospital, overall experience of the doctor, and more. A huge number of international patients visit India for heart enlargement treatment because of world-class hospitals, highly trained and experienced cardiac surgeons and affordable treatment cost.
Recovery
Recovery after heart enlargement treatment
After surgery, it generally takes 4-6 weeks to completely heal and begin feeling better. It is usual to experience pain in the chest area where the incision is made. You need to have someone stay with you in your home for around the first 1- 2 weeks after surgery. Do breathing exercises for 4 to 6 weeks. Stay active as you recover, but begin slowly. Increase the intensity of your activities slowly over the first 3 months. It may take a few weeks to regain your appetite. Drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and vegetables and walking can help reduce constipation during the recovery period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heart enlargement (cardiomegaly)
Depending on the condition, the enlarged heart might be permanent or temporary. Treatment for an enlarged heart can include medical procedures, medications or surgery.
Exercise might help reduce more than the waist size. It also can help reduce a thickened as well as enlarged heart. Regular exercise will be beneficial in lowering blood pressure when treating an enlarged heart.
Your diet must include lots of lean protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid high-fat foods like red meat, baked goods and cheese. Also limit food that has sodium content such as sandwiches, soup, pizza and processed foods. Cut back on drinks and food with added sugar.
Having an enlarged heart may lead to a serious problem over time. Initially, the patient will remain asymptomatic and doesn’t experience any issues. Over the years, the enlarged heart may compromise the heart’s ability to properly function, causing serious health complications like cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, worsening heart failure, and sometimes cardiac death.
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