10 Focused Assessment – Cardiovascular System
Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the learner will:
- Obtain health history related to the heart and peripheral vascular systems.
- Perform physical assessment of the heart and the peripheral vascular system using correct techniques.
- Document findings of cardiac and peripheral-vascular assessment.
I. Overview of the Cardiovascular System
The assessment of the cardiovascular system will include examinations of the peripheral vascular system by assessing color, temperature, edema, capillary refills, and peripheral pulses, as well as examinations of the heart by inspecting, palpating, and auscultating its landmarks.
II. Anatomy and Physiology
Click the link below to review the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system. During the assessment process, you will need to apply your knowledge of A & P to the heart and peripheral vascular system.
Knowledge Check
III. Medical Terminology
| Angina pectoris | chest pain, a result of myocardial ischemia |
| Arteriosclerosis (Atherosclerosis) | formation of plaques of fatty material within arterial walls |
| Bradycardia | slow heart rate |
| Bruit | a blowing sound heard in auscultation over a peripheral vessel or an organ. |
| Capillary Refill Time (CRT) | time required for return of color after application of blanching pressure to a distal capillary bed |
| Cyanosis | bluish-gray discoloration of the skin |
| Diastole | period of time within the cardiac cycle in which ventricles are relaxed |
| Ecchymosis | discoloration of skin caused by leakage of blood into the subcutaneous tissue |
| Embolus | blood clot or foreign object in the circulatory system |
| Heart murmurs | a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat which is caused byturbulent blood flow through the heart valves or near the heart |
| Hypertension | high blood pressure |
| Korotkoff Sounds | series of sounds that correspond to changes in blood flow through an artery as pressure is released |
| Myocardial infarction | heart attack |
| Palpitations | sensations of pounding or racing of the heart |
| Pitting Edema | an indentation remains after the swollen skin is pressed |
| Point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) | corresponds to the left ventricular apex of the heart, which can be palpated in the fifth intercostal space at the midcalvicular line |
| Pulse Pressure | difference between systolic and diastolic pressure |
| Prehypertension | an elevated systolic blood pressure of 120-139 mmHg and diastolic 80-89 mmHg |
| Syncope | temporary loss of consciousness resulting from decreased perfusion to the brain, which can be due to reduced cardiac output |
| Systole | period of time within the cardiac cycle in which ventricles contract |
| Tachycardia | rapid heart rate |
| Thrills | vibratory sensations felt on the skin overlying the heart, which can be detected in loud murmurs |
| Thrombus | blood clot |
| Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) | formation of a blood clot in a dee