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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation01:27

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation

1.4K
Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
1.4K
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

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Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
788
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation01:29

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation

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In a cardiovascular examination, inspection and palpation are crucial for identifying abnormalities.
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
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Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection01:29

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection

1.1K
Inspection is the initial step in assessing the cardiovascular system. It involves a detailed visual examination that provides crucial information about a patient's circulatory and cardiac health. This systematic process, conducted from head to toe, helps identify signs of cardiovascular conditions by observing physical appearance, skin and mucous membranes, jugular and carotid pulsations, chest symmetry, and the condition of the extremities.
Head and Neck
1.1K
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

1.0K
A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
1.0K
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography01:17

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography

865
Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients
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Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients

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Cardiovascular Signs and Symptoms: Edema.

Jenna Greenberg1, Joshua Greenberg2, Anna Laurie1

  • 1University of Michigan Family Medicine Residency in Ann Arbor.

FP Essentials
|March 16, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Lower extremity edema, fluid buildup in leg tissues, stems from pressure imbalances or lymphatic issues. Treatment focuses on the root cause, whether systemic disease, venous problems, or lipedema.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Lower extremity edema arises from capillary hydrostatic pressure, oncotic pressure, and lymphatic drainage imbalances.
  • Fluid accumulation in the interstitial space causes edema, often presenting bilaterally due to systemic conditions like heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of lower extremity edema.
  • To differentiate between bilateral and unilateral edema causes and their respective treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical evaluation including history, physical examination, and risk factor assessment.
  • Diagnostic strategies guided by clinical suspicion, potentially utilizing tools like Wells criteria for deep venous thrombosis.
  • Laboratory tests and imaging are selected based on suspected etiology.

More Related Videos

Bedside Ultrasound for Guiding Fluid Removal in Patients with Pulmonary Edema: The Reverse-FALLS Protocol
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Bedside Ultrasound for Guiding Fluid Removal in Patients with Pulmonary Edema: The Reverse-FALLS Protocol

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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients
08:45

Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients

Published on: April 18, 2025

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Bedside Ultrasound for Guiding Fluid Removal in Patients with Pulmonary Edema: The Reverse-FALLS Protocol
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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

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Main Results:

  • Bilateral edema commonly indicates systemic volume overload.
  • Unilateral edema often suggests localized pathology such as deep venous thrombosis, cellulitis, or trauma.
  • Management success depends on addressing the underlying cause, with specific therapies for systemic diseases and compression for venous insufficiency and lymphedema.

Conclusions:

  • Edema evaluation requires a thorough history and physical exam to identify underlying causes.
  • Treatment strategies are etiology-specific, ranging from disease-specific therapies to compression and symptom management.
  • Understanding the cause is critical for effective management of lower extremity edema.