Causes
An enlarged heart may have several causes. But it's usually the result of high blood pressure or coronary artery disease.
There can be other causes, including:
Viral infection of the heart
Abnormal heart valve
Kidney disease that needs dialysis
Diagnostic Tests
Blood tests: A small amount of blood is taken usually drawn from a vein in your arm using a needle.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): An EKG records the heart’s electrical activity, showing how fast the heart is beating and whether its rhythm is steady or irregular. An EKG can be used to detect cardiomyopathy as well as other problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and heart failure.
Echocardiogram (Echo): An echocardiogram (echo) is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. It shows how well your heart is working as well as its size and shape. There are several types of echocardiography, including “stress echo,” which is administered as part of a stress test. Another type, transesophageal echo (or TEE), provides a view of the back of the heart.