Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2026

Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery
Published on: February 20, 2017
Abstract:
The physical examination, that is, inspection, palpation, and auscultation, is as valuable today as it ever was, even for structures as inaccessible as the heart and pulmonary circulation. Examination of the heart in patients with lung disease aims to detect changes in the structures or function of the right heart that are secondary to the pulmonary process and to detect the circulatory status of the patient. The most important cause of changes in the right ventricle in patients with lung disease is increased afterload caused by pulmonary hypertension. Auscultation remains one of the most sensitive means of detecting pulmonary hypertension, and the physical signs allow assessment of right ventricular function as well as response to therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

