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Cardiovascular
Assessment
Cardiovascular assessment is a way to assess the
state, function, and defects of the heart and blood
flow.
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The patient’s history of heart and blood
flow problems is noted, including the onset,
quality, length of time, and place of any
pain. Also noted are weakness, fatigue, shortness
of breath, fever, coughing, wheezing, and
an uneven heart beat. |
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Questions are asked about fainting, stomach
upset, swelling of the feet and hands, bluish
skin, changes in sight, and whether the hands
and feet ever feel numb or cold. |
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The patient’s appearance, color, posture,
the rate and rhythm of the pulses, and the
neck veins are observed. The color, temperature,
and dryness or sweating of the skin are noted.
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The blood pressure, temperature, and rate
and type of breaths are checked. |
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The sounds the heart makes are listened to
closely. |
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Past heart surgery and illness are discussed.
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A number of tests are done on the blood itself as
it relates to heart disease. A graph of the electrical
signals of the heart may also be done (electrocardiogram).
A thorough test of the heart and blood flow is an
important part of a complete physical.
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