Cardiomegaly history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor in Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
The symptoms of cardiomegaly may vary depending on the underlying cause and common symptoms include dyspnea and fatigue. A careful history is important to ascertain the underlying cause of cardiomegaly. The patient should be asked if there is a history of hypertension, rheumatic heart disease that would cause valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, alcohol abuse, or a history of symptoms suggesting ischemic heart disease.
Symptoms
Depending upon the underlying cause of cardiomegaly, the following symptoms may be present:
History
In the patient with cardiomegaly the following historical information should be obtained:
- History of chest pain to suggest ischemic heart disease
- History of rheumatic fever or known valvular heart disease
- History of congenital heart disease
- History of drug and alcohol use (recreational)
- Family history (heart disease or sudden death)