The heart is a muscle that contracts and relaxes at a constant pace and rhythm, distributing oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body. If your heart has become bigger (dilated) or thicker (hypertrophied), you have an enlarged heart. Some people with enlarged hearts have trouble keeping their heart’s pumping motion at its ideal level, which may negatively affect their health.
Stress on the body, pregnancy, and medical conditions, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and cardiac valve dysfunction, may all induce temporary heart enlargement. The therapy for cardiomegaly depends on the underlying cardiomegaly causes and may include medication, medical treatments, or surgery.
Treatment For Mild Cardiomegaly
The heart may be affected by various blood problems, each of which has a unique treatment plan. In the case of anemia, for instance, iron supplements may be recommended to help the body produce more healthy red blood cells. Blood transfusions are sometimes necessary for people with diseases like beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
Pregnancy
The heart’s size may briefly increase during pregnancy. During pregnancy, in addition to pumping your blood, your heart must also pump blood to the fetus. The heart responds to this increased workload by expanding in size.
Reversible cardiomegaly in pregnancy means the heart returns to a normal size a few months after delivery.
Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol
There is a cardiac ailment called cardiomyopathy that may be caused by using drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine or drinking excessive quantities of alcohol.
3 Intense strain is placed on the heart by stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine. Chronic stress promotes cardiac enlargement. Toxins produced by alcohol use may also be harmful to the cardiovascular system.
Substances like these may ultimately lead to cardiac enlargement due to the heart’s increased effort levels. In many situations, if these medications are reduced or discontinued, the heart returns to normal.
Methods for Avoidance and Control
- In certain cases, cardiomegaly prevention is impossible. In the case of a genetic predisposition to the disorder, it is impossible to alter this risk factor. As a side note, some individuals are born with abnormally enormous hearts (congenital).
- On the other hand, there are other dangers over which you have influence. Preventing cardiomegaly or reducing the risk of problems from an enlarged heart may be aided by many lifestyle choices that benefit your heart health.
- The quality and quantity of your diet, as well as the amount of physical activity you get every day, may have a significant impact on your heart health. Those at risk for or who already have an enlarged heart and want to prevent it from worsening may benefit from modifying their diet and activity habits.
- Diet: A diet for moderate cardiomegaly will be well balanced and nutrient-dense, like other heart-healthy diets. Fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, moderate amounts of healthy fats, and minimal amounts of processed foods with added sugar are all part of a heart-healthy diet. Drink plenty of water and think about reducing (or eliminating) your coffee intake.
- Regular physical exercise and avoiding too much inactive time may improve cardiovascular (and general) health for those with an enlarged heart. However, discussing the frequency and intensity of your workouts with your doctor is important. Choose a heart hospital where you can get the best treatment.
Natural treatments for cardiomegaly may be effective when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Numerous cultures and cuisines use garlic because of its numerous healthful properties. In clinical trials, it was shown to lower cholesterol and effectively treats cardiovascular disease.
- Onions, which contain compounds that reduce inflammation, are useful in treating various medical issues. In addition, it has the blood sugar-lowering element chromium.
- Honey is one of the most effective natural treatments for hypertension and other heart-related illnesses. Just a few tablespoons a day is all it takes to get the health benefits.
- Leaves of mint, which contain components to maintain normal blood pressure, are used in many dishes and beverages.
- Mild cardiomegaly may include stress as a contributing factor; thus, learning to regulate your stress is important. Stress may make symptoms worse or even trigger a heart attack. Discover the stress-relieving benefits of meditation, and see a doctor if you need more guidance.
Conclusion
A slightly enlarged heart is referred to as mild cardiomegaly. It’s a red flag indicating something’s wrong with the heart, including excessive blood pressure or an infection. An enlarged heart may occur at birth in rare instances. Pregnancy is one of the temporary reasons.
It’s crucial to pinpoint the root of the problem behind your enlarged heart so you can get the appropriate therapy. While it is not always possible to stop your heart from growing, you may reduce your risk and avoid consequences by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
