ABSTRACT
Patient position is crucial to the cardiovascular examination. The ideal position is with the patient semi-recumbent at 45°. Three or four peripheral signs should suffice. It is more important to make the people examination of the hands purposeful and structured, so that they acknowledge signs, if indeed they are present. One should compare sides for radial–radial delay, and also at the groin for radial–femoral delay. Eyes should be checked for: corneal arcus, xanthelasma and pallor of the conjunctiva. The carotid pulses should be palpated one side at a time. It may be easier to pass comment on pulse character and volume from central position. Examination of the jugular venous pulsation should begin by ensuring that the patient is reclined at 45°. There is little to percuss in the cardiovascular examination. It is particularly important to auscultate the lung bases and listen for the characteristic crackles of pulmonary oedema.
