Cardiomegaly

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Cardiomegaly-Heart-frontWhat Is Cardiomegaly?

Cardiomegaly is a non-inflammatory disorder of the myocardium (heart muscle) causing the heart to enlarge.

Q: What happens when the heart enlarges?

A:The heart enlarges because excessive growth of muscle tissue (hypertrophy) thickens the heart walls which in turn reduces the size of the lower chambers (ventricles) and impairs the filling of the heart chambers with blood. In consequence, the heartbeat quickens.

Also, the enlarging heart encroaches on lung space which impairs their ability to expand with inspiration of air.

Cardiomegaly can result in heart failure because of inability to pump sufficient blood for the needs of the body and ventricular arrhythmias (irregular or missed beats) that can stop the heart. An echocardiogram, which is a test that uses sound waves to produce a picture of the heart, is used to detect and diagnose cardiomegaly.

What Is Cardiomegaly In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?


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