An enlarged heart indicates that a heart has grown more than the normal size. As such, an enlarged heart is not a disease, but it indicates underlying health problems and diseases that could be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to understand and diagnose what has caused the heart enlargement. In children, an enlarged heart could be due to congenital heart defect and valve problems.
Problems with the heart muscle can cause an enlarged heart in adults, which is sometimes seen in children as well. There can be many other underlying causes such as high blood pressure, injury to heart muscles, dilation of the blood vessels, heart attack, etc. behind an enlarged heart. A person with an enlarged heart may experience symptoms like heart palpitations, panic attacks and it could also result in heart failure. Diagnosis of this condition involves blood tests, physical examination, ECG, etc. Your doctor will examine you completely and ask you to undergo the tests given here, suggesting rest and medications for the treatment. Given here are some of the ways in which diagnosis is done for an enlarged heart.
Tests To Diagnose An Enlarged Heart
Chest X-Ray
The first thing a cardiologist will suggest to diagnose an enlarged heart will be to get a chest X-Ray done. The X-Ray will show whether the heart is enlarged as compared to other organs that are surrounding it.
If the diagnosis confirms you have an enlarged heart, more tests will be done to understand the cause behind this condition in order to treat it.
Echocardiogram
Another way to diagnose an enlarged heart condition would be through an echocardiogram (ECG). Pulse monitors are attached to your skin to detect the abnormalities in the heartbeat of the patient.
It also shows whether the heart tissues are damaged. This imaging technique allows the doctor to determine which chambers in your heart are enlarged. It will help your doctor diagnose the cause behind this condition.
Enlarged Heart Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Symptoms Of An Enlarged Heart
Blood Test
A blood test is suggested for proper diagnosis of an enlarged heart and to understand the underlying cause behind this condition. High levels of certain substances and elements present in your blood will indicate that you have an enlarged heart.
Also, blood tests can help determine whether the symptoms are caused due to an enlarged heart or some other health condition.
Cardiac Catheterization
This medical procedure can help evaluate the defects in your heart and allow the doctor to diagnose whether you have an enlarged heart. A catheter is inserted through your groin, neck or arm up to the heart and allows the doctor to perform various tests. It helps determine whether there are any blockages in your blood vessels and diagnoses the condition of your heart muscle.
Stress Test
A stress test helps your doctor diagnose an enlarged heart. You will be asked to run on a treadmill for some time and your heart beats as well as blood pressure levels are monitored.
It gives an idea of how your heart functions under physical stress. Any problems noticed here will help the doctor diagnose whether you have any heart problems such as an enlarged heart.
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