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Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood effectively. [3] Symptoms vary from none to feeling tired, leg swelling , and shortness of breath . [ 2 ]
Cardiomegaly can be classified by the main enlarged location of the heart, and/or by the structure of the enlargement. Specific subtypes include athletic heart syndrome, which is a non-pathological condition commonly seen in sports medicine in which the heart is enlarged, and the resting heart rate is lower than normal.
Left atrial enlargement can be mild, moderate or severe depending on the extent of the underlying condition. Although other factors may contribute, left atrium size has been found to be a predictor of mortality due to both cardiovascular issues as well as all-cause mortality.
It is also important to control heart disease risk factors including diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Exercise, pregnancy, and prior health conditions like ASD II can also promote cardiac remodeling, so routine primary care visits are important to distinguish between physiological and pathological atrial enlargement.
Cardiomyopathy is a group of primary diseases of the heart muscle. [1] Early on there may be few or no symptoms. [1] As the disease worsens, shortness of breath, feeling tired, and swelling of the legs may occur, due to the onset of heart failure. [1]
Per the American Heart Association (AHA), alcohol is one of the leading causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. [2] However, multiple longitudinal studies have shown a paradoxical lowering of dilated cardiomyopathy with modest-to-moderate alcohol consumption. [2] ACM is a type of heart disease that occurs due to chronic alcohol consumption.
Other considerations for causes of enlarged heart are athlete's heart and hypertension (high blood pressure). [10] Making the diagnosis of HCM often involves a family history or pedigree, an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and stress testing. [7] Genetic testing may also be done. [7]
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a form of heart failure in which the ejection fraction – the percentage of the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle with each heartbeat divided by the volume of blood when the left ventricle is maximally filled – is normal, defined as greater than 50%; [1] this may be measured by echocardiography or cardiac catheterization.