Other situations have been associated with an enlarged heart. An enlarged heart can be caused by pregnancy, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, stressful life situations, certain infections, the ingestion of certain toxins such as drugs and alcohol, and taking some medications. [4] X Research source
Your blood pressure must be above 140/90 for it to be considered high enough to be a risk factor for an enlarged heart. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
You should see your doctor immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting spells. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you have an enlarged left ventricle, which is considered a severe case of an enlarged heart, you are at risk for heart failure. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
He will then run tests to figure out the underlying cause of your enlarged heart, which will help him come up with the best way to treat it.
You should also drink 6-8 8-ounce glasses of water a day. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Try eating more fish, green leafy vegetables, fruit, and beans to help lower your cholesterol and sodium levels and reduce your blood pressure. You can also ask your doctor for a diet plan that is best suited for your particular situation.
He may also suggest your do more intense cardio and strength training such as bike riding or running as you get stronger or if you need to lose a decent amount of weight. Always consult your doctor before undertaking any physical activity, especially with a heart condition. Combining eating right with exercise will help you lose weight, which is very beneficial for many of the underlying causes of an enlarged heart.
You should also try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night in order to help regulate your heart beat and replenish your body every day. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Your physician will also be able to tell if you are responding to treatments or if you need to seek more advanced options for treatment. [15] X Research source
Your doctor may also suggest a pacemaker to help coordinate the contractions of your heart. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
These valves can be a tissue valve from a deceased human donor, a cow, or a pig. You may also receive an artificial value as well. Surgery may also be necessary to repair or replace a leaky valve, also known as valve regurgitation. This condition, which also contributes to an enlarged heart, causes blood to leak out through the valve backwards. [19] X Research source
The LVAD can be a long term treatment for heart failure or as a life saving measure while you wait for a heart transplant. Heart transplants are considered the last resort for an enlarged heart and are only considered when all other options have been ruled out. It is not easy to get a heart transplant and the waiting process can take years. [21] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are prescribed as an alternative medication for patients who have trouble tolerating ACE inhibitors. [23] X Research source
This medication may lower blood pressure. [25] X Research source
Other medications such as digoxin also help to improve the heart’s pumping mechanism. This can help you avoid hospitalization due to heart failure.
He may also prescribe anti-arrhythmics, which are medications designed to help keep your heart at a normal rhythm. [27] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
