|
The physical exam
The doctor will be searching for signs of heart failure, as well as other illnesses that might be affecting your heart's pumping ability and producing symptoms.
Skin: The color and warmth show whether your body is getting a good supply of oxygen-rich blood.
Pulse: The pulse shows your heart's rate, rhythm, and regularity.
Swelling in ankles, feet, legs, arms, and abdomen: If swelling is present, your heart may not be pumping efficiently.
Heart sounds: Different sounds through a stethoscope reveal not only the heart's rate and rhythm but also how well it is functioning. A murmur, or whooshing sound, might indicate a leaky valve. A stiff or narrowed valve clicks when it opens and closes. The stethoscope should always be in direct contact with the skin, with no shirt or sweater between.
Blood pressure: A relaxed, resting adult whose blood pressure is higher than a systolic reading of 140 or a diastolic reading of 90 is considered to have hypertension in need of treatment. Age, heart condition, emotions, activity, and medication—even the time of day—can influence the reading. A single elevated reading—especially in a doctor's office, where readings tend to run higher than at home (a well-known phenomenon called "white-coat syndrome")—does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure may need to be checked at different times and in other places to establish what is "normal" for you.
|
