Definition

Noun: * An abnormal enlargement of the heart. This is a medical term for a condition where the heart is larger than its normal size, which can be a sign of underlying disease or, in some cases, a physiological adaptation.

Usage

• The term "megalocardia" is used specifically in medical contexts to describe the physical finding of an enlarged heart, often identified through imaging like an X-ray or echocardiogram.
• It is a clinical sign, not a disease itself, and indicates the need for further investigation into the cause.

Examples

• The chest X-ray revealed significant megalocardia, prompting a referral to a cardiologist.
• While megalocardia is often pathological, a mild form can be a benign finding in well-trained endurance athletes.

Advanced Usage

• The term is synonymous with cardiomegaly. "Megalocardia" is derived from Greek roots ( meaning "large" and meaning "heart"), while "cardiomegaly" uses a combination of Greek () and Latin () roots. They are used interchangeably in medical literature.

Variants and Related Words

• Cardiomegaly (n): The direct synonym for megalocardia; abnormal enlargement of the heart.
• Megacardia (n): A less common variant spelling with the same meaning.

Synonyms

• Cardiomegaly
• Enlarged heart

Antonyms

• Microcardia (abnormal smallness of the heart)

Noun

1. an abnormal enlargement of the heart
   • mild cardiomegaly is common in athletes