Sonography Term

Cardiomegaly


Cardiomegaly refers to an abnormal enlargement of the heart, which can involve one or more of its chambers. On echocardiography, cardiomegaly is assessed by measuring the internal dimensions of each heart chamber and comparing them to normal values adjusted for the patient’s body size. An enlarged left ventricle may indicate chronic high blood pressure, valve disease, or cardiomyopathy, while an enlarged right ventricle can suggest pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure. Echocardiography not only detects cardiomegaly but also helps determine its cause and severity, providing essential information for treatment planning.