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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIn some people, an enlarged heart causes no signs or symptoms. Others may have these enlarged heart symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Swelling (edema)
- Cough
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
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Enlarged heart. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4517. Accessed Dec. 14, 2008.
- Samariel AM, et al. Molecular and cellular biology of the normal, hypertrophied, and failing heart. In: Fuster V, et al. Hurst's The Heart, 12th ed. New York, N.Y.: Mc-Graw Hill Professional; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3049170&searchStr=cardiomegaly. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- Hill JA, et al. Cardiac plasticity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;358:1370.
- Cardiomyopathy. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cm/cm_all.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2009.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 17, 2009.
