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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIn some people, an enlarged heart causes no signs or symptoms. Others may have these signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Swelling (edema)
- Cough
- Chest pain
When to see a doctor
Enlarged heart is easier to treat when it's detected early, so talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your heart health. If you don't have an enlarged heart, but are concerned about developing the condition, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risk.
If you think you may have a problem with your heart based on new signs or symptoms you've been having, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Seek emergency medical care if you have any of these signs and symptoms, which may mean you're having a heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Severe shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Enlarged heart. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4517. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- Cardiomyopathies. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec07/ch084666/ch084666a.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- What is cardiomyopathy? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cm/cm_all.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- Cardiomegaly on chest X-ray. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00065-2--s0020&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&sid=1093880434&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00065-2--s0020&uniqId=229713866-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00065-2--s0020. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 3, 2011.
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