How long does someone live with an enlarged heart?
There really isn't a direct answer to this question. A person can live with an enlarged heart anywhere from weeks, to months, to years. In addition to heart size, it is important to know about heart function. If the heart function is well preserved, even though it is enlarged, survival rates are better. Although the heart generally weakens as it gets larger, if found early enough, treatments can be started to prevent or reduce the chance of heart function worsening. There are several underlying causes for an "enlarged heart" and different treatments, depending on the cause. If possible, the cardiologist should try to diagnose the cause and treat it as aggressively as possible. There are different medications and devices that have been used successfully in improving heart size and function. It is important to follow the cardiologist's recommendations and to monitor the size and function of the heart muscle with periodic heart tests.
