Heart enlargement is when the size of the heart is increased. A heart enlargement can be Dilation or Hypertrophy. Dilation is when the inside cavity of a heart chamber is enlarged and Hypertrophy is when the heart muscle's thickness is increased. The treatment of this condition is a careful regimen of medications and lifestyle changes. The only way that the treatment is viable is to recognize the symptoms and causes so the proper care can be started as soon as possible.
Symptoms
It is possible to be a victim of heart enlargement and have no symptoms. Once the condition sets in and starts to affect the basic functions of the heart, symptoms can be expected. Understanding and recognizing these symptoms will ensure that adequate care is given. The more serious symptoms involve shortness of breath, pain and pressure in the chest, loss of consciousness, lightheadedness and the swelling of the feet or ankles. In its mildest forms, the symptoms are only experiences during activities that cause exertion. In more severe cases, these symptoms can happen at any time.
Causes
Heart enlargement is a symptom of an underlying---and more serious---medical conditions. These conditions are what cause the heart enlargement. The prevention of these conditions is what prevents the heart enlargement in the first place. Weakened heart muscles, too much iron in the body, severe anemia, high blood pressure and thyroid disease are just some of the medical conditions that causes heart enlargement. Quick treatment of these conditions has positive effects on an enlarged heart.
Treatment
Once the enlarged heart starts to exhibit some of the serious symptoms, the condition must be treated as much as the condition(s) causing it. One form of treatment for heart enlargement is a form of ACE inhibitor medications. These medications assists in lighting the load on heart's pumping function and keeps the heart from becoming even more enlarged. When heart enlargement leads to acute heart failure, diuretics are used as a treatment.
Other treatments of an enlarged heart are the adoption of lifestyle changes. The first thing is to eat a low-fat, balanced diet. This diet not only improves the overall health of the body, it also helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Adopt a regular exercise program as well. Before doing this, consult a physician to design an exercise regimen that correlates with your present health issues. It is also advised to see a physician regularly for updates on the condition, as well to properly monitor the blood pressure and valve disease treatment. Restrict the use of alcohol to avoid the reverse of the positive effects of the treatments.
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