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Cardiomegaly how serious is this?
Debsbears posted:
I had to have a complete spine X-ray done for scoliosis. They found that and a host of other things wrong. But the result that stood out the most was "Cardiomegaly is present".

I immediately called my cardio guy gave them the word and they told me to come in no later than Friday. I take it that this condition is serious! Deb
cardiostarusa1 responded:

"I take it that this condition is serious!"

It mainly depends on the cause.

General info

Mayo Clinic


SEE: Complications

Noteworthy, there is a medical term known as the cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), which is a measurement on a routine chest X-ray (CXR) of the width of the heart divided by the width of the chest.


Also, and as seen on a resting echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound), the entire heart (global enlargement) may/can become affected or just an area of it (regional enlargement).

Take extra-good care,




Be well-informed

Health Central

Cardiac Enlargement: A Patient Guide












- Charles Inlander, People's Medical Society


It's your there.

. .

James Beckerman, MD, FACC responded:
"Cardiomegaly" means "enlarged heart."

However, in my experience it's not uncommon for people to be identified with cardiomegaly on an Xray and then subsequent testing (such as a cardiac ultrasound) shows that the heart is actually normal in size. But I agree that it's a good idea to follow-up, especially given that it sounds like you already have a relationship with a cardiologist and therefore may already have some history of heart disease. Take care.
Sandflea replied to James Beckerman, MD, FACC's response:
I used to have this as a child but it gradually went away, until now. I am 60 and I get dizzy spells after rising from a stoop or some exercise. For some time now, when I use the bathroom (BM) I get sick and vomit almost everytime afterwards. I vomit the usual stomach contents it seems but towards the end it is a mass of something that seems to large to come through the throat, like a thick mass of coarse ceral or something. What should I do?

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