There is no definitive answer to the question of how long someone can live with an enlarged heart. An enlarged heart can be a sign of something serious or even life-threatening if left untreated; however, with proper care and lifestyle modifications, people living with an enlarged heart can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
An enlarged heart (also known as cardiomegaly) is generally caused by a build up of fatty deposits within the walls of the heart. This can cause the organ to become larger than usual which affects its ability to pump blood effectively. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how long a person can live with an enlarged heart, there are several factors that may affect their prognosis including the underlying cause of the condition, their age, and any additional health issues they may have.
For conditions such as cardiac hypertrophy (thickening of the walls of the heart) or cardiomyopathy (a disease affecting the structure or function of the muscle fibers in the heart), treatment focuses on stabilizing symptoms and improving quality of life for as long as possible. In some cases, medicines may be prescribed to reduce inflammation or help manage blood pressure; however, lifestyle modifications are often necessary for individuals living with an enlarged heart to slow down its progression. These lifestyle modifications include reducing stress levels, quitting smoking and/or using drugs, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol while increasing intake of complex carbohydrates and fiber; and abstaining from alcohol consumption.
Additionally, regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist are important to monitor any changes in symptoms or overall health over time. For individuals diagnosed with more serious forms such as dilated cardiomyopathy (enlargement and weakening of ventricles), it is important that patients adhere closely to doctor’s orders in order to improve prognosis and longevity but unfortunately, this may not always be possible due to other medical complications that can arise from this condition.
Regardless of any underlying cause for having an enlarged heart, it is important for those affected by this condition to remember that it does not necessarily mean their life will be cut short. With proper care and management through medications recommended by your physician plus lifestyle adjustments aimed at reducing stress levels while maintaining overall physical fitness as much as possible; individuals living with an enlarged heart can still lead longer lives than what was originally anticipated before receiving diagnosis – potentially even decades beyond initial diagnosis when considering modern advancements in cardiac treatments.
If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of an enlarged heart, or any other heart-related issues, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our award-winning cardiologists in Gwinnett County!
