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History and Physical Examination

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MGH Cardiology Board Review

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Abstract

With technological advances in laboratory testing, imaging studies, and invasive procedures in cardiology, it is easy to discount the relevance of the history and physical examination. It is precisely the astute performance of the focused history and physical examination, however, that informs appropriate and efficient diagnostic testing. In the current climate emphasizing cost-effective practice, the strategic and parsimonious use of diagnostic testing is of paramount importance. Moreover, the determination of pretest probability—based on history and physical examination findings—may enhance the accuracy and clinical interpretation of subsequent diagnostic findings. In this manner, the classic teachings of the history and physical examination, coupled with the advanced capabilities of contemporary diagnostic technology, may provide optimal insight into the care of the patient.

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Abbreviations

ABI:

Ankle/brachial index

ACS:

Acute coronary syndrome

AR:

Aortic regurgitation

AS:

Aortic stenosis

ASD:

Atrial septal defect

AV:

Aortic valve

BB:

Beta blocker

BNP:

B-type natriuretic peptide

BP:

Blood pressure

CAD:

Coronary artery disease

CI:

Confidence interval

CMP:

Cardiomyopathy

CP:

Chest pain

CXR:

Chest x-ray

DCM:

Dilated cardiomyopathy

DM:

Diabetes mellitus

ECG:

Electrocardiogram

EP:

Electrophysiology

HCM:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

HF:

Heart failure

HR:

Heart rate

HTN:

Hypertension

JVD:

Jugular venous distension

JVP:

Jugular venous pressure

LA:

Left atrium

LBBB:

Left bundle branch block

LLSB:

Left lower sternal border

LR:

Likelihood ratio

LV:

Left ventricle

LVEDP:

Left ventricular end diastolic pressure

LVEF:

Left ventricular ejection fraction

LVH:

Left ventricular hypertrophy

MI:

Myocardial infarction

MR:

Mitral regurgitation

MS:

Mitral stenosis

MV:

Mitral valve

MVP:

Mitral valve prolapse

OS:

Opening snap

PCWP:

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

PDA:

Patent ductus arteriosus

PH:

Pulmonary hypertension

PMI:

Point of maximal impulse

PND:

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

PR:

Pulmonic regurgitation

PS:

Pulmonic stenosis

PV:

Pulmonic valve

PVD:

Peripheral vascular disease

RA:

Right atrium

RBBB:

Right bundle branch block

RV:

Right ventricle

RVH:

Right ventricular hypertrophy

SOB:

Shortness of breath

TR:

Tricuspid regurgitation

TS:

Tricuspid stenosis

TV:

Tricuspid valve

VSD:

Ventricular septal defect

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard Medical School Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Hanna K. Gaggin MD, MPH (Instructor in Medicine)

  2. Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA

    Douglas E. Drachman MD (Assistant Professor of Medicine)

  3. Interventional Cardiology, Boston, USA

    Douglas E. Drachman MD (Director, Cardiology Fellowship Program, Associate Director)

  4. Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Douglas E. Drachman MD (Fellowship Program)

Authors
  1. Hanna K. Gaggin MD, MPH
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  2. Douglas E. Drachman MD
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  3. Douglas E. Drachman MD
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  4. Douglas E. Drachman MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiology Division Yawkey Building 5B, Room 5850, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Hanna K. Gaggin

  2. Cardiology Division Yawkey Building, Suite 5984, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    James L. Januzzi, Jr.

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag London

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Gaggin, H.K., Drachman, D.E., Drachman, D.E., Drachman, D.E. (2014). History and Physical Examination. In: Gaggin, H., Januzzi, Jr., J. (eds) MGH Cardiology Board Review. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4483-0_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4483-0_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4482-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4483-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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