Definition:

Cardiomegaly is a medical condition characterized by an enlarged heart.

Causes:

There are several causes of cardiomegaly, including:

• Hypertension
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Congenital heart defects

Symptoms:

The common symptoms of cardiomegaly may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosis:

Cardiomegaly can be diagnosed through:

• Physical examination
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac catheterization

Treatment:

Treatment for cardiomegaly depends on the underlying cause and may involve:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Surgical interventions
• Implantation of medical devices (e.g., pacemaker)
• Cardiac rehabilitation

Complications:

If left untreated, cardiomegaly can lead to complications such as:

• Heart failure
• Arrhythmias
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Sudden cardiac arrest

Prevention:

Prevention of cardiomegaly involves:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Managing underlying conditions (e.g., hypertension)
• Regular exercise
• Eating a balanced diet
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption