Enlarged Heart

Several cardiac conditions may produce an enlarged heart. In dilated cardiomyopathy, a weak heart muscle reduces the heart’s ability to pump efficiently. As it pumps harder to make up for lessened blood flow, the muscle thickens and the heart becomes larger. Other types of cardiomyopathy also may lead to an enlarged heart.

Aortic stenosis narrows the passage for blood flow through the aortic valve. This can produce an enlarged heart, as can congestive heart failure and heart attack.

An enlarged heart may cause a serious arrhythmia.

Cardiovascular patients at Abington Memorial Hospital benefit from advanced technology for diagnostics and treatment. Therapies for enlarged heart center on the underlying condition and may include medications, cardiac surgery, heart valve repair or replacement and implantable devices such as pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators.

For expertise on diagnosing and treating an enlarged heart, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center, including the Comprehensive Heart Failure Program, Heart Rhythm Center and Porter Institute for Valvular Heart Disease.