[blackbart.223]

"What causes an enlarged heart?"

Congestive heart failure is a common cause. I don't think alcohol consumption is exactly behind this. If anyone disagrees feel free to jump in.

[buccaneer81]

Cardiomyopathy can enlarge the heart. It may be viral or chemically induced by alcohol or drugs, including those prescribed by an MD.

My wife has cardiomyopathy, diagnosed five years ago after receiving chemo for breast cancer. She's doing OK with treatment, but at 41, she'll never be as healthy as most of her peers.

[Luke21]

I had an enlarged heart from too much booze also. I had a heart attack at age 28 because of it. I quit drinking in 1989. No problems since.

[Mila]

Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) is not a disease but a sign of an underlying problem. It can have many causes, including:

High blood pressure
Heart valve disorders
Weakness of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
Severe anemia
Thyroid disorders
Excessive iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
Abnormal protein buildup in an organ (amyloidosis)

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/enlarged-heart/HQ00623