Enlarged heart is basically the increase in the size of the heart. This defect is basically found out by examining and by using x rays. It can also be tested by physical examination. An enlarged heart may be caused by a thickening of the heart muscle because of increased workload.

Cardiomegaly is a medical condition wherein the heart is enlarged. A thickened cardiac muscle nearly always results from prolonged and uncontrolled high blood pressure. Occasionally it's due to a tight exit valve and very rarely it is caused by an inherited disease of heart muscle. It's a serious condition, because it tends to deteriorate unless it is properly treated. Fortunately, there are now very good diagnostic tests and scans to assess the severity of the condition and its causes.

There is also excellent treatment available that can significantly improve the prognosis for many patients. Treatment for enlarged heart is aimed at correcting the underlying cause. Treatment for an enlarged heart can include medications, medical procedures or surgery. You may develop an enlarged heart temporarily because of a stress on your body, such as pregnancy, or because of a medical condition, such as the weakening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or abnormal heart rhythms.