Cardiovascular Physical Examination

Cardiovascular Physical Examination

Each patient should be examined carefully and methodically.

Simplified steps:

1. Wash hands
2. Introduce to the patient, gain consent
3. Place the patient in the appropriate position
4. Make sure the patient is adequately exposed
5. Inspection the general appearance
6. Inspect eyes and mouth
7. Inspect the precordium
8. Inspect limbs
9. Palpate radial and femoral pulse (check for delay)
10. Examine for collapsed pulse
11. Measure BP
12. Palpate carotid pulse
13. Examine JVP
    Palpate point of maximal impulse, check for thrills and heaves
14. Auscultate the precordium :apex (both at lying position and left lateral decubitus), tricuspid area, pulmonary area, aortic area (lying down and at sat forward position)
15. Auscultate the carotids
16. Auscultate lungs
17. Examine peripheral pulses
18. Check for edema
19. Thank the patient