Approach to the Physical Examination of the Cardiac Patient

Abstract

Performance of a proper cardiac physical examination and the interpretation of the findings require a good understanding of both the physiology of the cardiovascular system and the pathophysiology involved in the abnormal states caused by various cardiac lesions and disorders. The development of good bedside skills requires not only dedication on the part of the student of cardiology, but also that the instruction methods be sound and based on both science and logic. The clinician instructor and the student clinician then come to appreciate that the whole process involves the integration of the science with the art of the physical examination.