Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cardiomegaly laboratory findings
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Laboratory tests that should be obtained when a person is suspected or known to have cardiomegaly are: a complete blood count, thyroid stimulating hormone levels, and a blood urea nitrogen. These are common, high yield tests. Other tests can be ordered based on suspicions as to the underlying cause of the cardiomegaly, obtained through patient history and physical examination.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
Based upon the history and physical, a standard evaluation might include:
Common high yield tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC): to rule out anemia.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) / creatinine)
Less frequent low yield tests:
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): to evaluate autoimmune causes.
- Calcium: to rule out hypocalcemia.
- Magnesium: to rule out hypomagnesemia.
- Rheumatoid factor
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
- Glucose
- Pheochromocytoma screening.
- Phosphorus: to rule out hypophosphatemia.
- Blood culture
Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies
- Electrolytes should be periodically checked in the patient treated with a diuretic to avoid hypokalemia.
- Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels may provide insight into the ongoing magnitude of LV dysfunction.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor in Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]