The state of having an enlarged heart, cardiomegaly, is a condition that arises from other heart complications. It is typified by a deformity in the shape and size of the heart, which is likely to have resulted from an increased thickness of the heart muscle.
This condition, however, can raise the risk or give rise to several medical conditions in the body. Below are some common risk factors that come with an enlarged heart:
1. High blood pressure 
This is a condition where blood flows through blood vessels with more pressure than the normal. Once the blood pressure is higher than 140/90, it is considered abnormal. An individual in this condition, is likely to have cardiomegaly, sooner or later.
2. Heart attack 
Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when a part of the heart is deprived of blood due to several associating heart defects. As a result of this, the heart muscle (myocardium) gets damaged. Cardiomegaly strains the myocardium and in turn, quickens heart attack.
3. Heart murmur 
Heart murmurs are heard during a heartbeat but unlike normal, it sounds unusual or like an extra sound. It occurs as a result of a defect in the mitral and tricuspid valves.
An enlarged heart can cause these valves to dilate, such that they won’t be able to close well. However, once this happens, blood might end up flowing backwards through the heart. This eventually causes the heart to make some unusual sounds known as heart murmurs.
4. Heart failure 
Due to an enlargement of the heart, the body’s capability to supply adequate blood will be limited. An enlargement of the heart will cause the heart muscle (myocardium) to weaken and thereby, reduces its effectiveness. This would limit blood flow to the heart; leading to heart failure.
5. Blood clots 
Blood clots are sticky blood cells that can be found in large vessels like the heart and the aorta. This is known to restrict the flow of blood, but won’t block it permanently.
It could eventually lead to high blood pressure, angina, and other heart complications because of the decreased flow of blood. However, the risk of blood clotting in the heart is increased, greatly, with heart enlargement.
6. Cardiac arrest 
Cardiac arrest occurs as a result of the heart refusing to contract. Once this happens, the heartbeat ceases and it leads to instant death. Enlargement of the heart increases the risk of cardiac arrest, due to the strenuous work that the heart would have to undergo.
Conclusion
As seen from the explanation above, there are several medical risks that come with cardiomegaly. Fortunately, the risks of developing an enlarged heart can be minimized by taking simple precautions such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, quitting alcohol and general adopting a healthy lifestyle.
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