The enlargement of this human heart was likely caused by a condition that makes the heart pump harder than usual, such as coronary artery disease. Because of this enlargement, the muscles that make up the heart actually become weaker. This real human specimen was preserved through the process of plastination, invented by Dr. Gunther Von Hagens and patented between 1977 and 1982. Von Hagens’ goal was to preserve specimens for medical study. 

Plastination is a multi-step process that can take up to a year to complete. All bodily fluids and soluble fats are removed from the specimens and then replaced by resins and elastomers, natural or synthetic polymer having elastic properties. Once the specimen has absorbed these substances, it can be with gas, light or heat to harden and preserve it. The plastination took place at the Institute for Plastination in Germany.