Enlarged heart

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Enlarged Heart (Cardiomegaly)

Enlarged heart, also known as Cardiomegaly (pronounced: car-dee-oh-meg-uh-lee), is a medical condition where the heart is larger than normal. The term is typically used to refer to an enlargement of the heart seen on a chest x-ray before more specific tests are performed to diagnose the condition that is causing the heart to be enlarged.

Etymology

The term "Cardiomegaly" is derived from the Greek words "kardia" which means heart, and "megas" which means large.

Causes

An enlarged heart can be caused by conditions that cause your heart to pump harder than usual or that damage your heart muscle. Some of these conditions include high blood pressure (hypertension), heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion, and pulmonary hypertension.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an enlarged heart can include shortness of breath, swelling (edema), and arrhythmia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an enlarged heart can be made through various tests such as echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, MRI, and chest x-ray.

Treatment

Treatment for an enlarged heart focuses on correcting the cause. This can include medication, medical procedures, surgery, and lifestyle changes such as diet and nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

Related Terms

External links

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