Knowing Cardiomegaly or Enlarged Heart, Know 7 Causes and Factors That Affect It
YOGYAKARTA - Cardiomegaly or enlarged heart is a condition when the size of the heart is larger than normal, usually detected through medical examinations such as chest x-rays or echocardiography. This condition is not a major disease, but a sign of a disorder that makes the heart work harder. Quoting Harvard Health, Tuesday, May 5, this happens when the workload increases, the heart will adapt by enlarging or thickening. Therefore, understanding the causes of cardiomegaly or enlarged heart is important so that you can recognize the risk early.
1. High blood pressure (Hypertension)Hypertension is one of the most common causes of cardiomegaly or enlarged heart. High blood pressure makes the heart have to pump harder to circulate blood throughout the body. As a result, the heart muscle, especially in the left ventricle, will thicken and enlarge. In the long run, this condition can actually reduce the efficiency of the heart's work.
2. Problems with the heart valveDisturbances in the heart valves are one of the factors that affect cardiomegaly or enlarged heart. Leaky valves cause blood to flow back into the heart chambers so that their volume increases. Meanwhile, a narrowed valve makes the heart have to work harder to push blood through the narrow gap. Both conditions can trigger gradual enlargement of the heart.
Cardiomyopathy is a cause of cardiomegaly or enlarged heart that is directly related to the heart muscle. This condition can make the heart muscle thicken, weaken, or widen depending on the type. These structural changes interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood optimally. Over time, the heart will enlarge as a form of compensation for this disorder.
4. Coronary artery disease and heart attackCoronary artery disease and a history of heart attack are also causes of cardiomegaly or enlarged heart. When blood flow to the heart is disrupted, some of the heart muscle can be damaged and replaced by scar tissue. This tissue cannot contract as well as normal tissue. As a result, the healthy part of the heart has to work harder and can experience enlargement.
5. Heart infection and inflammationViral infections that cause inflammation of the heart muscle or myocarditis are a factor that affects cardiomegaly or enlarged heart. This inflammation can weaken the heart muscle so that its ability to pump blood decreases. In certain conditions, the infection can develop into a more serious heart disorder. The heart then enlarges in response to this decreased function.
Excessive alcohol consumption and the use of certain drugs can be a cause of cardiomegaly or enlarged heart. In addition, medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or abnormal substance accumulation are also factors that affect cardiomegaly. These conditions increase the workload of the heart in meeting the body's needs. If it lasts a long time, the heart can undergo changes in size and function.
7. Adaptation of the body to intense physical activityNot all heart enlargement is dangerous because it can be a form of body adaptation. Athletes who regularly practice high intensity can experience heart enlargement which actually increases the efficiency of the heart's work. This condition is different from cardiomegaly due to disease because it is not accompanied by functional disorders. However, it is still important to ensure this condition through a medical examination.
The causes of cardiomegaly or enlarged heart are very diverse, ranging from hypertension to heart muscle disorders and lifestyle factors. Understanding the factors that affect cardiomegaly or enlarged heart helps you be more alert to the early signs of heart disorders. With early detection and proper management, the risk of complications can be minimized. In the end, maintaining heart health is an important investment for your quality of life in the long term.