Cardiomegaly

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Cardiomegaly
File:Cardiomegally.PNG
Synonyms Enlarged heart
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue
Complications Heart failure, arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death
Onset Varies
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Hypertension, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy
Risks High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, family history
Diagnosis Physical examination, chest X-ray, echocardiogram, MRI
Differential diagnosis Pericardial effusion, athlete's heart
Prevention Blood pressure control, healthy diet, regular exercise
Treatment Medications, surgery, lifestyle changes
Medication N/A
Prognosis Depends on underlying cause
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Cardiomegaly refers to an enlarged heart. This is often a sign of another condition, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart valve problems. The condition can be temporary due to stress on the body, such as pregnancy, or chronic, leading to serious complications.

Introduction[edit]

Cardiomegaly is not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias, among others. The enlarged heart can weaken over time, leading to heart failure.[1]

Causes[edit]

The most common cause of cardiomegaly is high blood pressure (hypertension) which makes the heart work harder to pump blood. Other causes include coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, viral infections, excessive alcohol or illicit drug use, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, and certain genetic conditions.[2]

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of cardiomegaly may include breathlessness, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, swelling (edema), and fatigue. In some cases, it may not cause any symptoms until the condition becomes more advanced.

Diagnosis[edit]

Cardiomegaly is usually diagnosed through physical examination, patient's history, and imaging tests, most commonly an X-ray or an echocardiogram. Other tests, such as EKG, stress test, cardiac MRI, or CT scan, may also be used.[3]

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for cardiomegaly focuses on managing the underlying cause. This can involve medication, lifestyle changes, or potentially surgery in severe cases. It's crucial to follow a healthcare provider's advice to manage the condition effectively.[4]

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for cardiomegaly largely depends on the cause, how early it's detected, and the overall health of the individual. If well-managed, patients can live a normal life. However, if untreated or mismanaged, it can lead to serious complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death.

Cardiomegaly gallery[edit]

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Konstam, M. A., Kramer, D. G., Patel, A. R., Maron, M. S., & Udelson, J. E. (2011). Left ventricular remodeling in heart failure: current concepts in clinical significance and assessment. JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, 4(1), 98-108.
  2. ↑ Levy, D., Garrison, R. J., Savage, D. D., Kannel, W. B., & Castelli, W. P. (1990). Left ventricular mass and incidence of coronary heart disease in an elderly cohort. The Framingham Heart Study. Annals of internal medicine, 112(2), 117-122.
  3. ↑ Gottdiener, J. S., Bednarz, J., Devereux, R., Gardin, J., Klein, A., Manning, W. J., ... & Thomas, E. (2004). American Society of Echocardiography recommendations for use of echocardiography in clinical trials. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, 17(10), 1086-1119.
  4. ↑ Cohn, J. N., & Tognoni, G. (2001). A randomized trial of the angiotensin-receptor blocker valsartan in chronic heart failure. New England Journal of Medicine, 345(23), 1667-1675.
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