What is an Enlarged Heart ?
What Causes an Enlarged Heart?
As previously noted, the heart undergoes enlargement when subjected to increased workload, akin to how exercise tones the muscles in your arms and legs. Similar to limb muscles, the heart muscles also respond to heightened activity. However, unlike limb muscles, a more strenuous workload for the heart can lead to gradual hardening, ultimately diminishing its functionality.
The diseases which may cause you to have an enlarged heart are:
- High BP
- Heart valve disease
- Disease of the heart muscle
- Fluid around your heart
- Alcohol and drugs abuse
- Less RBC in blood
- Thyroid disorder
- Excessive iron in the body
- Kidney disease that needs dialysis
- Infection in the heart
- Genetic predisposition
The heart may undergo enlargement and weakening without a clear underlying cause. In some instances, uncommon conditions like amyloidosis, which impact the heart, can contribute to these complications.
How does uncontrolled BP threaten your health?
The occurrence of the following symptoms may serve as indicators for predicting uncontrolled blood pressure or persistent hypertension:
- Headache
- Disorientation
- Chest pain
- Vision problem
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Blood in urine
- Pounding in chest, neck, and ears.
How is uncontrolled BP diagnosed?
Persistent hypertension is diagnosed when an individual consistently exhibits elevated blood pressure levels over an extended period, typically unrelated to temporary triggers or specific health issues. While transient episodes of high or low blood pressure may be effectively addressed by treating the underlying factors, persistent hypertension requires careful monitoring and management due to its chronic nature. Meeting specific criteria, such as sustained elevated blood pressure readings over time, is essential for the accurate diagnosis of this long-term condition.
- Despite administering multiple blood pressure medications at their maximum tolerated doses, the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.
- One of these medications is designed to eliminate surplus fluid and salt from the body.
- The consecutive blood pressure tests conducted at the recommended intervals indicate that the blood pressure measurements are not within the normal range.
How is uncontrolled BP treated?
Effective management of uncontrolled blood pressure necessitates a precise combination of appropriate medications administered at optimal dosages and timings. Additionally, achieving control involves implementing significant lifestyle modifications. For instance:
- Eating a balanced, low-salt diet
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing stress, etc.
With appropriate supervision, the management of uncontrolled blood pressure primarily involves lifestyle adjustments and medication. Surgical or radiation treatments are typically unnecessary. However, inadequate control of blood pressure may lead to the development of serious conditions that might necessitate intricate surgical interventions.
