Enlarged heart

[Liffy166]

My son is now 38. About eight years ago he was told that he had an enlarged heart. I am not sure if this is something he was born with. I lost my first baby through a heart defect.
My son was told he should keep fit and make sure he does some cardio vascular exercise.
Would you agree with this. Is there anything else he should be doing? Should he be having check ups?

[kenkeith]

Whether or not there is a problem depends on the underlying condition. Some individuals have a normally large heart, and non-pathological enlarged heart can be the result of a well-conditioned athlete.  

Pathological enlarged heart can be the result of an overworked heart pumping against a high resistence of constricted vessels, the heart walls can be enlarged due to heart muscle disease, etc. or a prior heart attack or ischemic (lack of blood/oxygen due to vessel occlusion. etc.) that impair heart muscle contractions.

Whether or not aerobic exercise is beneficial may depend on the underlying cause.  Did the doctor state an opinion regarding cause?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi.  I think you should try posting this question in the adult heart expert forum.