Re: Heart Size

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD-APS on November 09, 1998 at 09:09:07:

In Reply to: Heart Size posted by Patty on November 06, 1998 at 07:14:21:






Good Morning and thank you for taking the time to answer my question.  How is it determined that a heart can be large and appropriate for that individual vs enlarged from a virus?



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Dear Patty,
There are quite a few tests that can help assess heart size (Chest X-ray, EKG, and echocardiogram) all of which have
standard measurements of normal.  The best test to assess heart size is the echocardiogram, or ultrasound of the heart as this distinguishes between enlarged walls, enlarged upper or lower, right or left chambers (there are 4 chambers to the heart), as well as interrogating the valves between the chambers for leaks or blockages (stenosis).
Most times however, we speak solely of the left ventricle or left lower chamber which is responsible for ejecting oxygenated blood to the entire body.
It is a whole other process to determine what is the cause or potential causes of a enlarged heart (usually it is the left ventricle.)
I hope that you find this information useful, please write again if you have any further questions. Good Luck.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only,
actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s).