Surface Landmarks
This area is auscultated at the 2nd right intercostal space, just next to the sternum.
What is the aortic valve area?
This diagnostic tool measures electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
This pulse is often easier to palpate in children than in adults due to thinner chest walls.
What is the apical pulse?
This visible neck vessel finding at a 45° angle suggests elevated central venous pressure.
What is jugular venous distention (JVD)?
This condition involves persistent fetal circulation between the aorta and pulmonary artery, causing a machine-like murmur.
What is patent ductus arteriosus?
This valve is auscultated at the 4th or 5th intercostal space at the left lower sternal border.
What is the tricuspid valve?
This turbulent sound heard over the carotid artery may indicate arterial narrowing.
What is a carotid bruit?
This heart sound is often heard in children and is considered normal due to rapid ventricular filling.
What is an S3 heart sound?
This extra heart sound is associated with heart failure and volume overload in adults.
What is an S3 heart sound?
This valve disorder causes a diastolic murmur and left atrial pressure overload, often leading to atrial fibrillation.
What is mitral stenosis?
This heart valve is best heard at the 2nd left intercostal space, next to the sternum.
What is the pulmonic valve area?
This term describes the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and reflects stroke volume
What is pulse pressure?
This physiological change in pregnancy causes increased cardiac output and may lead to a functional murmur
What is increased blood volume?
This rhythm is described as “irregularly irregular” and lacks discernible P waves on ECG.
What is atrial fibrillation?
This cyanotic heart defect includes four abnormalities: VSD, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy.
What is Tetralogy of Fallot?
This landmark is used to assess jugular venous pressure and is typically observed at a 30–45° angle.
What is the external jugular vein?
This low-pitched sound, heard best with the bell at the apex, is associated with volume overload and heart failure.
What is an S3 heart sound?
This heart sound is more common in older adults due to decreased ventricular compliance.
What is an S4 heart sound?
This murmur is heard during systole and radiates to the neck, often caused by narrowing of the aortic valve.
What is aortic stenosis?
This life-threatening cause of chest pain presents with tearing pain radiating to the back and unequal pulses.
What is aortic dissection?
This landmark is located at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line, and is used to assess the apical impulse.
What is the point of maximal impulse (PMI)?
This heart sound occurs just before S1 and is caused by atrial contraction against a stiff ventricle.
What is an S4 heart sound?
In older adults, this vascular sound may be heard due to atherosclerotic changes
What is a carotid bruit?
This blood pressure pattern, with a wide gap between systolic and diastolic values, may indicate aortic regurgitation.
What is widened pulse pressure?
This compensatory mechanism in heart failure increases myocardial oxygen demand and can worsen the condition.
What is tachycardia?