Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of cardiomegaly (enlargement of the heart).

Family history

  • Is there a history of frequent heart disease in your family?

Social history

  • What is your profession?

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Do you suffer from shortness of breath?*
    • Do you have shortness of breath under exertion?
    • Do you wake up at night because of shortness of breath?*
    • Do you have shortness of breath without exertion?*
  • Do you need to urinate at night?
  • Have you noticed water retention on your lower legs?
  • Are you often tired / worn out?
  • Have you experienced any other symptoms? Such as cardiac arrhythmias (heart palpitations), fatigue, nausea, fatigue?

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

  • Have you lost body weight? Please tell us your body weight (in kg) and height (in cm).
  • Has your appetite changed?
  • Do you have good weight-bearing capacity? How many flights of stairs can you climb without shortness of breath?
  • Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (heart disease)
  • Operations
  • Allergies
  • Medication history

* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Information without guarantee)