Interactive Guide to Physical Examination
Cardiovascular

Review of Cardiac Anatomy

The heart and great vessels lie in the mediastinum, just under and to the left of the sternum, above the diaphragm. The area of the thorax overlying the heart is called the precordium. Paradoxically, the broader upper border of the heart is called the base while the narrower bottom portion is called the apex. The actual position of the heart can vary considerably depending on body type. For instance, in tall, slender people, the heart may be more vertically and centrally positioned. In contrast, in stockier people, the heart may be more horizontal and positioned to the left. Rarely, the heart may be positioned to the right in a mirror image of what is expected; a condition termed dextrocardia.

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Review of Cardiac Physiology

Before proceeding to examination techniques, a thorough understanding of basic cardiovascular physiology is needed with particular attention to the genesis of heart sounds and timing in the cardiac cycle.

View interactive module Click on the interactive icon for a review of cardiac physiology.