Clinical Examination

The main components of a clinical cardiology examination include:

• overview

• palpation

• hearing

First, for a clinical examination that includes proper inspection, palpation, and auscultation, the patient should remain in the supine position. Usually, the upper body is elevated at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. Assessment of the pulse and blood pressure are essential components of vital sign measurement and constitute important elements of the cardiovascular examination.
The examination of the cardiovascular system initially focuses on the heart. However, it should also include a clinical examination of the entire arterial system. Atherosclerosis, the most common cardiovascular disease in the Western world, is a systemic disease. Therefore, proper investigation requires a broader evaluation. Further assessment with laboratory tests such as the ECG and cardiac triplex may be requested.