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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Enlarged Heart Be Related To Bronchitis?

Hi...I have bronchitis and possibly influenza A. I had a chest xray on Tuesday and again on Friday. Friday s xray stated it was compared to the Tuesday s; it showed an enlarged heart. Can this just be a temporary situation due to my bronchitis or do I need to be worried?
posted on Sun, 16 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 14 Apr 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 15 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Welcome to Health Care Magic, Thanks for writing to us,

I am Dr.Ahmad Bilal, I have read your question, I understand your concern and will try to help you in the best possible way.


There is no way other than a massive heart attack which dilates the heart so much that it gets enlarged within 3--4 days.

Usually it is problem with the X-rays.

X-rays are never good in predicting enlarged heart, heart size in an X-ray may look changed depending upon.

1) position of the patient when X-ray was taken,

Standing, lying , sitting cause different heart size in Xray.

2) Inspiration expiration also make heart size look changed.

And there are many other factors due to which X-ray can not be relied upon for heart enlargement.

I would suggest you to meet your Doctor, and discuss if you need an echocardiography.

Only Echo can predict well about the heart size,

I would suggest you not to worry about random X-ray finding but do discuss other confirmatory options with your doctor.



....

I Hope this answers your question, if your have more queries feel free to ask,I will be pleased to alleviate your concerns.Wish you the best of health.



Regards,

Dr.Ahmad Bilal.
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Could Enlarged Heart Be Related To Bronchitis?

Hi, Welcome to Health Care Magic, Thanks for writing to us, I am Dr.Ahmad Bilal, I have read your question, I understand your concern and will try to help you in the best possible way. There is no way other than a massive heart attack which dilates the heart so much that it gets enlarged within 3--4 days. Usually it is problem with the X-rays. X-rays are never good in predicting enlarged heart, heart size in an X-ray may look changed depending upon. 1) position of the patient when X-ray was taken, Standing, lying , sitting cause different heart size in Xray. 2) Inspiration expiration also make heart size look changed. And there are many other factors due to which X-ray can not be relied upon for heart enlargement. I would suggest you to meet your Doctor, and discuss if you need an echocardiography. Only Echo can predict well about the heart size, I would suggest you not to worry about random X-ray finding but do discuss other confirmatory options with your doctor. .... I Hope this answers your question, if your have more queries feel free to ask,I will be pleased to alleviate your concerns.Wish you the best of health. Regards, Dr.Ahmad Bilal.