Is coughing a symptom of an enlarged heart?

Coughing can be a symptom of an enlarged heart, according to the UCSF Medical Center. An enlarged heart does not necessarily cause symptoms, but if the heart becomes unable to pump blood efficiently, it can result in symptoms of heart failure, which include coughing.

An enlarged heart is often the result of a condition that either damages the heart or causes the heart to pump abnormally hard, says the Mayo Clinic. In particular, it can be the result of a viral infection of the heart, a heart valve problem, or the result of alcohol and drug abuse. Other symptoms of an enlarged heart include shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, heart palpitations and rapid weight gain due to fluid buildup, says WebMD.