HomeAnswersRadiologyinterventional radiologyMy heart appears large on my X-ray. Should I be worried?

Are there any reasons for the heart to appear large on the chest X-ray?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 30, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. I went to a chiropractor for lower back pain, and they took X-rays. They told me that my heart looked large. Therefore, I wanted to get a professional radiologist's opinion on it. I am not an athlete, and my health is average.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

On examining your X-ray (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), I find that the heart shadow is “apparently large” but actually not large. This is a very common aspect of the chest X-ray where the heart shadow “appears large” whenever the person is slightly rotated. Rotation on your chest X-ray is due to the asymmetric distances of the medial ends of the clavicles from the C7 spinous process. Therefore, your heart is of normal diameter, and no further action may be required. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the quick response. Have a great day.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are welcome. Best wishes.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Shoyab
Dr. Muhammad Shoyab

Radiodiagnosis

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