Cardiomegaly
Cardiomegaly means the heart looks enlarged on imaging.
When to get help quickly: Urgent hospital review is important if there is severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, fast worsening leg swelling, or symptoms suggesting heart failure or reduced heart function.
Common symptoms
Some people have no symptoms, while others may have shortness of breath, easy tiredness, leg swelling, chest discomfort, palpitations, or difficulty lying flat comfortably.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show whether the heart appears enlarged and whether there are related signs of heart failure, fluid, or another chest problem that needs attention.
What radiology does
Chest X-ray may suggest it, while echocardiography, CT, or MRI can help clarify heart size and the underlying cause.
What usually happens next
Management focuses on the cause and may involve cardiology review, medicines, or further heart testing.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.