Cardiovascular examination

The cardiovascular examination is a portion of the physical examination that involves evaluation of the cardiovascular system. The exact contents of the exam will vary depending on the presenting complaint but will usually involve a cardiac examination and peripheral vascular examination.

Some portions of the examination may be best performed while sitting up (such as a neck bruit), while other portions may be best performed while lying back at a 30- or 45-degree angle (such as hepatojugular reflux.) Some portions (such as the heart sounds) may be evaluated in both positions, while others (such as the carotid artery auscultation) may be done in either.

Certain conditions can be identified upon inspection.

Phrases in the writeup can include:

More detailed notes may mention heaves and bruits. Peripheral pulses may be included in a cardiovascular system or in a "Extremities" section.

The cardiac examination, or precordial exam, involves examination of a person for signs of cardiac disease. The chest is the main region examined, but other regions inspected include the hands, head and ankles.

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