What can cause an enlarged heart?
Ask the doctor
A chest x-ray to check my lungs was normal, but the report mentioned a slightly enlarged heart. My doctor said this is common. But I am curious, why might this happen?Probably the most common cause of an enlarged heart is chronic, untreated high blood pressure, which can cause the walls of the heart's main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) to thicken. This is known as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
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About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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