DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 59-year-old female. I am very obese but have no major illnesses and don’t smoke or drink.

During a recent physical, my physician told me I have a very enlarged heart. I asked him what that means both now and in the future in regard to my health. He said as long as I don’t have any more symptoms I don’t need to worry about it. However, it has been a great worry to me. Could you please explain what this means to me?

DEAR READER:
Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) can be caused by many things, some beneficial, others life-threatening. I will provide you with a general overview of the condition, including symptoms, possible causes and treatment options. I cannot give you specific information regarding your case because you do not say what symptoms you have been experiencing. [Read more...]