Cardio

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Whilst taking the history and before examining the cardio vascular ystemcertain pertinent observations may be made. On the other hand, those suffering from myocardial infarction may be pale, sweating and cold, those with bacterial endocarditis may look pale and ill, and those with chronic congestive cardiac failure may appear wasted. BREATHLESSNESS at rest may be observed, especially if the patient is asked to lie flat. If of cardiac origin, it indicates pulmonary venous congestion or pulmonary oedema. The radial pulse should be examined for rate, rhythm, volume, the character of the pulse wave and the condition of the vessel wall. Bradycardia may be physiological or due to heart block. Excessive administration of digitalis is a common cause. Tachycardia with regular rhythm may be due to emotion, thyrotoxicosis, and fever cardiac failure or occasionally to an ectopic rhythm e.g. paroxysmal tachycardia.