January 25, 2014
2B
Cardiovascular Diseases
The heart is an essential organ in the cardiovascular system responsible for pumping oxygen and nutrition filled blood to all parts of the human body. It is composed of four chambers; two upper chambers called the right and left atrium, and two lower chambers called the right and left ventricle. A structure called the septum is what divides the heart into right and left halves. Four heart valves keep the flow of blood in one direction. At rest, the heart usually beats 60 to 80 times per minute and is the size of the person’s fist (Dowshen, 2013). When a heart becomes abnormally larger, it is known as cardiomegaly. Cardiomegaly is not considered a disease, but rather a symptom caused by numerous …show more content…
Having a high blood pressure is a common condition that requires the heart to pump harder than normal, and as a result, causes the heart to enlarge (Stöppler, n.d.). Congenital heart defects can cause the heart to pump harder by being able to change the flow of blood through the heart (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011). Arrhythmia and prolonged anemia are also conditions that can cause the heart to pump harder and lead to cardiomegaly (Stöppler, n.d.). People with arrhythmia have an abnormal heart rate and lack a heart that pumps blood effectively. This forces the heart to pump harder in order for blood to reach all parts of the body. Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells. Heart valves damaged by rheumatic fever, infections, and etc. and thyroid disorders are other causes for cardiomegaly. Sometimes, the cause for cardiomegaly are simply unknown or idiopathic (Mayo Clinic Staff, …show more content…
Conditions that can cause an enlarged heart include high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, and arrhythmia. Often, people with cardiomegaly do not experience signs or symptoms. Those who do can suffer from chest pains and dizziness. Treatments for cardiomegaly are focused on curing the condition that caused it. Such treatments include diuretics and beta blockers for lowering blood pressure. Those who received cardiomegaly from a heart valve disorder can have surgery to either repair or replace the injured valve. If nothing works, a heart transplant is an