Risk factors

You may be at increased risk of developing an enlarged heart if you have any of the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure. Having a blood pressure measurement higher than 140/90 millimeters of mercury.
• A family history of enlarged hearts or cardiomyopathy. If an immediate family member, such as a parent or sibling, has had an enlarged heart, you may be more susceptible.
• Congenital heart disease. If you're born with a condition that affects the structure of your heart, you may be at increased risk.
• Heart valve disease. The heart has four valves — aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid — that open and close to direct blood flow through your heart. Conditions that damage the valves may cause the heart to enlarge.