What is it called when the heart is located on the right side of the thoracic cavity?

Dextrocardia refers to a condition where the heart is positioned on the right side of the thoracic cavity instead of the left side, which is the normal anatomical position for most individuals. This condition can occur as an isolated anomaly or as part of a broader congenital condition involving other organ arrangements, known as situs inversus. In dextrocardia, the heart's chambers and major vessels can be oriented mirror-image to their normal positions, potentially leading to various clinical implications.

Understanding this condition is crucial for interpreting EKGs and recognizing its potential impact on heart function and diagnostics. In clinical practice, an identification of dextrocardia requires careful assessment, as it can influence surgical approaches and treatment plans. The other options represent distinct cardiac or vascular conditions that do not pertain specifically to the positioning of the heart itself as seen in dextrocardia.