enlarged cardiac silhouette causes - Search
Open links in new tab

  1. Causes - Cardiomegaly

    Verified Expert

    Sometimes, it occurs for unknown reasons and the condition is known as idiopathic cardiomegaly.

    • Cardiomegaly can be caused by conditions that cause the heart to pump harder than usual or when the heart muscle is weakened. It could also be a short term condition due to pregnancy.
    • Conditions associated with heart enlargement include:
    • High blood pressure
    • Heart valve disease
    • Disease of the heart muscles
    • High blood pressure in the artery connecting the heart and lungs
    • Fluid around the heart
    • Low red blood cell count
    • Thyroid disorders

    See more

    Complications

    Verified Expert

    An enlarged heart can lead to the following complications:

    • Heart failure
    • Blood clots
    • Heart murmur
    • Cardiac arrest

    See more

    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    Cardiomegaly does not always show symptoms. When it does, it may include:

    • Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing (especially when active or when lying flat)
    • Weight gain, particularly in the midsection
    • Feeling tired
    • Palpitations or skipped heartbeats
    • Chest pain
    • Swelling of legs

    See more
    What is enlarged heart cardiomegaly?
    When the heart becomes enlarged, known medically as enlarged heart cardiomegaly, it signals an underlying condition that may significantly impact heart function. While an enlarged heart is not a disease itself, it is usually an indicator of heart disease or other health issues.
    avicennacardiology.com

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Imaging tests are the best way to detect cardiomegaly. Other tests are performed to determine the underlying cause.

    Common tests & procedures

    X-ray: Chest X-ray helps identify the enlarged heart.

    Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Helps to check heart rhythm problems and any damages to the heart.

    Echocardiogram: Helps measuring the heart size, muscle thickness and its pumping function.

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI of heart helps to detect heart enlargement in some cases.

    Thyroid function tests (TFTs): To check for hypo or hyperthyroidism.

    Antibody test: To check for viral infections by detecting antibodies against viruses.

    Stress test: To check stress related causes.

    Cardiac catheterization: To check for any blockages in the heart.

    Biopsy: To determine the cause of enlargement.

    See more

    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    Treatment procedure varies depending upon the causative factor.

    Medication

    Diuretics: Diuretics to lower the pressure in your arteries and heart.

    Chlorothiazide . Chlorthalidone . Bumetanide . Ethacrynic acid . Amiloride . Eplerenone

    Angiotensin receptor blockers: To lower the blood pressure and improve pumping capability.

    Azilsartan . Candesartan . Eprosartan . Irbesartan . Losartan . Olmesartan . Telmisartan . Valsartan

    Beta blockers: To lower the blood pressure and improve heart’s efficiency.

    Acebutolol . Atenolol . Bisoprolol . Metoprolol . Nadolol . Nebivolol . Propranolol

    Anticoagulants: To reduce the risk of blood clots.

    Warfarin . Heparin . Lovenox . Bivalirudin

    Anti-arrhythmic drugs: To maintain the normal rate of heart beat.

    Amiodarone . Flecainide . Procainamide

    See more
    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.
    Feedback
    Table of Contents
    Causes
    Complications
    Symptoms
    What is enlarged heart cardiomegaly?
    Diagnosis
    Treatment
     
    Kizdar net | Kizdar net | Кыздар Нет