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The apex beat (lat. ictus cordis), also called the apical impulse, [1] is the pulse felt at the point of maximum impulse (PMI), which is the point on the precordium farthest outwards (laterally) and downwards (inferiorly) from the sternum at which the cardiac impulse can be felt.
The apex beat is assessed for size, amplitude, location, impulse and duration. There are specific terms to describe the sensation such as tapping, heaving and thrusting. Often the apex beat is felt diffusely over a large area, in this case the most inferior and lateral position it can be felt in should be described as well as the location of ...
A forceful apex beat indicates left ventricular pressure overload, while a right ventricular heave suggests right ventricular pressure overload. Other signs provide evidence for specific causes of pressure overload. Hypertension is diagnosed by sphygmomanometry.
Cardiac physiology or heart function is the study of healthy, unimpaired function of the heart: involving blood flow; myocardium structure; the electrical conduction system of the heart; the cardiac cycle and cardiac output and how these interact and depend on one another.
The mitral component of the first heart sound is usually soft and with a laterally displaced apex beat, [6] often with heave. [7] The first heart sound is followed by a high-pitched holosystolic murmur at the apex, radiating to the back or clavicular area. [6] Its duration is, as the name suggests, the whole of systole.
Upon auscultation of an individual with mitral stenosis, the first heart sound is usually loud and may be palpable (tapping apex beat) because of increased force in closing the mitral valve. The first heart sound is made by the mitral and tricuspid heart valves closing.
The presence of a murmur at the apex can be misinterpreted as mitral regurgitation. However, the apical murmur of the Gallavardin phenomenon does not radiate to the left axilla and is accentuated by a slowing of the heart rate (such as a compensatory pause after a premature beat) whereas the mitral regurgitation murmur does not change. [2]
Palpitations with chest pain could mean reduced blood flow to the heart. If the person feels lightheaded or faints, arrhythmias should be considered. [1] Positive orthostatic vital signs may indicate dehydration or an electrolyte abnormality. [1] A mid-systolic click and heart murmur may indicate mitral valve prolapse.