Is It Normal to have Heart Bigger On One Side?

Your heart is divided into left and right. The right side of the heart transfers blood to the lungs for oxygen. At the same time, the left transfers the oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Heart bigger on one side means the enlargement of the right or left ventricle.

Hypertrophy of the ventricles (also called enlarged ventricles) occurs when the muscles on the right side of the heart thicken and enlarge.

The bigger the heart, the more it will wear out. This increase can lead to high blood pressure in the heart, which increases the strength of blood vessels and arteries throughout the body. It also makes it harder for the larger heart to generate electricity, which causes serious problems regularly.

Problems with the lungs usually cause right ventricular hypertrophy. You can also have an enlarged left ventricle, but this is generally due to high blood pressure or a problem with the aortic valve in your heart.

Symptoms

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy(RVH)

An enlarged right ventricle does not necessarily cause symptoms. Usually, the left ventricle tries to cover up the problem in the right ventricle. This means that some people don’t know they have an enlarged right ventricle until it progresses further.

However, if you have a large right ventricle due to lung disease, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, you may experience:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainted
• Breathing shortness
• Inflammation of the lower limbs such as the ankles, feet, and legs

These symptoms are similar to many other conditions, including heart failure, so it’s best to see your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Left ventricular hypertrophy usually occurs slowly. Signs or symptoms may not appear, especially in the early stages. As the left ventricular hypertrophy worsens, you may experience the same symptoms.

Causes

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

It is usually caused by pneumonia or problems with the structure or function of the heart. Pneumonia associated with ventricular hypertrophy often results in pulmonary arterial hypertension, which causes blood vessels that carry blood to the lungs. Conditions that can cause this include:

• Heart failure
• Obstructive pulmonary disease
• Pulmonary embolism

Problems with the structure or function of the heart that can cause an enlarged right ventricle to include:

• Atrial septal flaw (a hole in the wall of the top of the heart)
• Pulmonary valve stenosis
• Regurgitation of the tricuspid valve
• Fallot tetralogy
• Ventricular septal flaw (hole in the lining of the inner wall of the heart)

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

It has many causes. One is the increase in the size of the muscle cells, and the other is the abnormal tissue around the heart muscle cells.

Heart muscle cells can grow in response to factors that cause the left ventricle to work harder, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. As the left ventricular load increases, the musculature of the chamber wall thickens. Sometimes the size of the chamber itself also increases.

Left ventricular hypertrophy can be caused by problems with the muscles of the heart. These changes can have a genetic effect. A variety of rare phenomena causes abnormal tissue around heart muscle cells.

Causes of heavy cardiac work include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Strength training
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Amyloidosis

Treatment

RVH

Treatment of right ventricular hypertrophy depends on the underlying cause. If pulmonary atrial hypertension is the cause, medications may be needed to help relax the pulmonary artery.

Medications your doctor may prescribe to improve heart function include:

• ACE Inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Digoxin
• Diuretics

If right ventricular hypertrophy makes it difficult for your heart to beat constantly, you may need a pacemaker. This is a device that helps your heart keep a regular rhythm.

You may also need surgery if you have a problem with your heart’s structure or valves, none of which can be solved with medicine alone. You can consult a Cardiologist in Islamabadto discuss in detail the proper treatment.

LVH

Blood pressure medications can help prevent further enlargement of the left ventricle and even reduce hypertrophic muscles. Your doctor may recommend medicines that include.

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme – ACE Inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor – ARB’s blockers
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Diuretics
• Beta-Blockers

Surgery or other treatments can also be suggested, like:

• Amyloidosis
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment
• Treatment of sleep apnea

Preventive Measures

Lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and improve signs of ventricular hypertrophy.

• Stop Smoking
• Lose weight
• Manage stress
• Follow a heart-healthy diet
• Limit the salt in your diet
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Do regular physical activity

Going on for a regular check-up is very important for keeping your body healthy. You should visit a Cardiologist in Karachi to get expert advice regarding your heart’s health. In this way, the doctor can diagnose a condition at the initial stage and treat it on time. If you don’t have much knowledge about which doctor to consult, you can visit Marham.

Marhamis the best platform that offers you easy access to several best doctors. So, visit Marhamand book your appointment with one of the best Cardiologists in Karachi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1- Can an enlarged heart return to normal?

Some people have an enlarged heart due to temporary factors, such as a pregnancy or an infection. In these cases, your heart will return to its standard size after the treatment. If it is due to a chronic condition, it will not get back to normal.

2- Can we do exercise with an enlarged heart?

Exercise helps reduce a thickened and enlarged heart. Regular exercise can be at least as valuable as blood pressure medications when treating an enlarged heart.

3- Is an enlarged heart serious?

An enlarged heart can indicate a severe heart problem or other health problem. It often means your heart has to work harder than average to pump blood.

4- Can an enlarged heart cause death?

An enlarged heart can disrupt the heart’s electrical system, which can lead to cardiac arrest. This can sometimes lead to sudden death.