Description Cardiomegaly is a d...
Description
Cardiomegaly is a descriptive term that refers to an enlarged heart. Cardiomegaly isn't a disease. Instead, it's the result of another condition, most often one that leads to heart failure. Cardiomegaly may develop temporarily or be a more permanent condition. Cardiomegaly may be caused by high blood pressure, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) and more rare diseases such as hemochromatosis and amyloidosis.
Symptoms
In some cases, cardiomegaly has no symptoms. When seen in people with heart failure, common symptoms include shortness of breath, leg swelling, fatigue and an irregular heartbeat.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and imaging tests will likely be performed to determine the cause of cardiomegaly. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a cardiac catheterization (tube inserted in the groin that is threaded into the blood vessels of the heart).
Tests:
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Chest X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Stress test, CT scan, MRI, cardiac catheterization
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and imaging tests will likely be performed to determine the cause of cardiomegaly. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a cardiac catheterization (tube inserted in the groin that is threaded into the blood vessels of the heart).
Tests:
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Chest X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Stress test, CT scan, MRI, cardiac catheterization
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the cause of cardiomegaly. When heart failure is present, a variety of medicines may be used, including diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers ARBs and beta blockers. Your doctor may also recommend pacemaker insertion, heart valve surgery or coronary artery bypass surgery. In extreme cases, a heart transplant may be recommended.