Cardiac History and Physical Examination

Abstract

In most instances, history and physical examination provide crucial information when determining if a child has heart disease Heart disease should be suspected if history reveals: Shortness of breath without wheezing History of central cyanosis Easy fatigability Failure to thrive Family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death Heart disease should be suspected if physical examination reveals: Central cyanosis, clubbing of digits Poor capillary refill and pulses Delayed and weak femoral pulse when compared to brachial pulse Hyperactive precordium, thrill Murmurs louder than 2/6, diastolic murmurs Single S2, fixed splitting of S2, additional heart sounds