Overview
Cardiomegaly, also known as an enlarged heart, is a condition in which the heart is larger than normal. It is usually a sign of an underlying heart problem rather than a disease itself. In Korea, advanced cardiology centers offer comprehensive evaluation, imaging, and treatment options to manage cardiomegaly and its underlying causes effectively.
Symptoms
Cardiomegaly may not cause symptoms in mild cases. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying down
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting in severe cases
Causes
Cardiomegaly can result from a variety of conditions, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart valve disease
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Coronary artery disease or previous heart attacks
- Congenital heart defects
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Thyroid disorders and other metabolic conditions
- Chronic anemia or other conditions that increase heart workload
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- History of heart attack or heart disease
- Genetic predisposition to cardiomyopathy
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or sedentary lifestyle
Diagnosis
In Korea, cardiomegaly is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced imaging:
- Physical examination to detect heart murmurs or abnormal sounds
- Chest X-ray to visualize heart size
- Echocardiography to assess heart structure and function
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect electrical activity abnormalities
- Cardiac MRI or CT scan for detailed structural evaluation
- Blood tests to check for underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or anemia
Prevention
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Regular exercise and weight management
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Controlling diabetes and other chronic conditions
- Routine cardiac check-ups for individuals with risk factors
Treatment Options in Korea
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of cardiomegaly and may include:
- Medical Management
- Medications to control blood pressure, heart rate, or heart failure
- Diuretics to reduce fluid retention
- Anticoagulants for preventing blood clots if indicated
- Surgical and Interventional Treatments
- Valve repair or replacement for valve-related cardiomegaly
- Coronary artery bypass surgery or stenting for ischemic heart disease
- Implantable devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators in severe cases
- Lifestyle and Supportive Care
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs
- Diet modifications to reduce salt and fluid retention
- Regular monitoring of heart function at cardiology centers in Korea
