In the early stages, swollen heart conditions often do not cause symptoms. Symptoms of a swollen heart tend to appear only when the swelling is severe enough. Therefore, it is important to know the various symptoms of a swollen heart so that treatment can be done immediately.
Heart swelling or cardiomegaly is not a disease, but a sign of a specific clinical condition or disease. Symptoms of a swollen heart that appear generally depend on the cause. In some people, heart swelling does not cause symptoms. However, in some other people, the symptoms of a swollen heart caused can make the body feel uncomfortable.
Signs and Symptoms of a Swollen Heart that Often Occurs
It is important for you to recognize the causes and symptoms of a swollen heart. The reason is, swollen heart conditions will be easier to handle if detected early.
The following are signs and symptoms that are often found in some people with swollen heart:
- Shortness of breath, especially on exertion or when lying flat
- Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disturbances
- Swollen legs and feet
- Weight gain due to swelling
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Palpitations or heart palpitations
The severity of swollen heart symptoms that appear in each person can be different. There are some people who hardly feel any symptoms at all. There are also those who only feel mild symptoms for several years. However, when the swelling of the heart gets worse, the condition can cause shortness of breath experienced by sufferers to get worse.
Some Causes of a Swollen Heart
There are several causes of a swollen heart, including:
- Congenital heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart muscle disorders
- Anemia
- Coronary heart disease
- Disorders of the heart valves
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Pregnancy
- Rarely exercise
- Obesity
You are advised to go to the doctor immediately when you feel symptoms of a swollen heart. Especially if there are symptoms of severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. If these symptoms appear, you should get medical attention immediately because it could be a sign of a heart attack.
Because a swollen heart can be caused by various things, it is important for you to regularly see a doctor to get a medical examination and find out the cause of the symptoms of a swollen heart. Once a diagnosis is made, treatment for this condition may include medication and surgical procedures.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the main effort so that you avoid swollen heart conditions and other heart-related health problems. You can apply a healthy diet with a nutritious menu, stop smoking, limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, and be diligent in exercising.
It is important for you not to ignore any signs and symptoms of a swollen heart that may arise, because this condition can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure, heart attack and stroke, to sudden death.