Final answer:
The term 'hepatomegaly' indicates that the patient has an enlarged liver, where 'hepato-' refers to the liver and '-megaly' to enlargement. This condition is particularly significant in patients with heart problems, as it can be associated with poor cardiac function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root of the term hepatomegaly indicates that the condition is related to the liver. 'Hepato-' refers to the liver, and '-megaly' suggests an enlargement. Therefore, hepatomegaly means that the patient has an enlarged liver.
In the context of a patient with a history of heart problems, hepatomegaly can be of particular concern as it might be associated with various cardiac conditions that lead to poor blood flow, potentially causing a backup of blood in the liver and subsequent liver enlargement. Moreover, since the liver plays a crucial role in filtering toxins and processing drugs, conditions like hepatomegaly may have wide-reaching implications for the patient's overall health, requiring careful management and monitoring.