Cardiac arrhythmia: Physical exam
During physical examination, physicians determine the heart rate and blood pressure of patients. Skilled physicians may be able to diagnose arrhythmias by carefully observing jugular vein and carotid artery pulses, and by performing cardiac auscultation, which is listening to heart sounds through a stethoscope.
Video Transcript
Cardiac arrhythmia: Physical exam - Animation
During physical examination, physicians determine the heart rate and blood pressure of patients. Skilled physicians may be able to diagnose arrhythmias by carefully observing jugular vein and carotid artery pulses, and by performing cardiac auscultation, which is listening to heart sounds through a stethoscope.
Reviewed By
Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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