Cardiomegaly

Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing) due topossible: Neck vein congestion? Edema (praetibial edema?/water retention in the area of the lower leg/before the tibia, ankle; in supine patients: presacral/before the sacrum). Central cyanosis? [bluish discoloration … Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Examination

Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Test and Diagnosis

2nd-order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein). NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) – for suspected heart failure (cardiac insufficiency).

Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle). Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes – to exclude pulmonary congestion; determination of heart … Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Diagnostic Tests

Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Cardiomegaly, if mild, may be asymptomatic.The following symptoms and complaints may indicate cardiomegaly (heart enlargement): Signs of heart failure (cardiac insufficiency): Dyspnea (shortness of breath); esp. intermittent nocturnal shortness of breath. Exertional dyspnea – shortness of breath under stress. Nocturia – urination at night Edema (water retention) occurring especially praetibially (located on the lower legs/front … Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Therapy

The therapy of cardiomegaly depends on the underlying disease. If there are signs of heart failure (cardiac insufficiency), it must be treated specifically (see heart failure for details). General measures Aim to maintain normal weight!Determine BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition using electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participate in a … Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Therapy

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 … Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Medical History

Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Respiratory System (J00-J99) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Anemia (anemia), unspecified. Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Acromegaly – endocrinologic disorder caused by overproduction of growth hormone (somatotropic hormone (STH), somatotropin), with marked enlargement of the phalanges or acras, such as the hands, feet, lower jaw, chin, nose, … Enlargement of the Heart (Cardiomegaly): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis