Enlarged heart - Nature Cures®

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An enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) is caused by conditions that make the heart work harder and this damage the heart muscle over time. An enlarged heart may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause and may happen to just parts of the heart or all of it. Without treatment, it can lead to severe health issues, including blood clots, cardiac arrest, heart failure, stroke and sudden death.

Causes and contributory factors of an enlarged heart.

Alcohol consumption: The body breaks alcohol down into a toxin acetaldehyde which can build up in the heart muscle and cause damage.
Anaemia: Severe or prolonged anaemia.
Arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat can cause the heart to beat too fast, increasing the workload.
Bacterial infections including gum disease.
Chemotherapy drugs.
Congenital heart defects present at birth.
Coronary heart disease due to plaque buildup in arteries restricts blood flow, making the heart work harder and potentially weakening parts of the muscle.
Diabetes can contribute to heart muscle damage and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathy).
Heart valve problems can disrupt blood flow, causing the heart chambers to enlarge as the heart tries to compensate.
High blood pressure (Hypertension) strains the heart, causing the muscle to thicken and enlarge.
Kidney disease can put added strain on the heart.
Medications such as anticancer drugs (anthracyclines), certain psychiatric medications (antidepressants, stimulants, sedatives), some eye drops (topical beta-blockers), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by viral infections, can lead to enlargement and heart failure.
Pregnancy can cause the heart to work harder, potentially leading to enlargement, especially in complicated cases.
Pulmonary hypertension: high blood pressure in the lung arteries makes the heart’s right-side work harder, leading to enlargement.
Recreational drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
Smoking or vaping tobacco as nicotine restricts blood capillary dilatation. Tar reduces the lungs ability to transport oxygen to the heart plus carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen in the blood all of which makes the heart work harder.
Thyroid disorders: an overactive or underactive thyroid can cause heart enlargement.

Bacterial infections that can cause heart enlargement

Brucella from unpasteurised milk and cheese or from contact with infected animals.
Gingivitis gum disease.
Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi from a deer tick.
Periodontitis serious gum disease
Septicaemia (bloodstream Infection)
Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Bacteria from infections, including gum disease and tooth decay, can travel through the bloodstream, potentially leading to endocarditis (a heart lining infection) or chronic inflammation that increases the risk of other cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis (hardened, blocked arteries) which can strain the heart and lead to enlargement.

Viruses that can cause heart enlargement

Adenovirus
Coxsackievirus (causing hand, foot, and mouth disease)
COVID-19 virus
Epstein-Barr virus
Herpes
Human immunodeficiency virus HIV AIDS
Influenza
Parvovirus
Rubella (German measles)

The body’s immune system, in an effort to fight bacteria or a virus, can trigger an inflammatory response in the heart which can, in turn, lead to heart enlargement.

What to avoid with an enlarged heart

Alcohol
Caffeine
Processed and refined foods.
Recreational drugs
Salt
Saturated and trans fats
Sugar
Tobacco products including vaping.

How to resolve an enlarged heart

Blood tests and other heart tests can show what has caused an enlarged heart followed by the appropriate treatment of the root cause. To find natural remedies for each condition and infection follow the links.

Regular light exercise and weight management can help to reduce an enlarged heart. Cycling, swimming and walking is especially advantageous. Avoid long periods of sitting still.

A diet of all colours of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, oily fish and whole grains can help to repair damage done to the heart. Drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins, including a glass before bed, can help to recover from an enlarged heart.

Looking after the intestinal flora is also a good way to help regulate the immune system and keep all bodily processes in good condition.

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