Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cyanotic heart defect physical examination
Introduction
Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Keri Shafer, M.D. [2], Atif Mohammad, M.D.; Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[3]
Overview
Overview
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Vitals
Pulse
- Weakened or absent femoral pulses suggests left ventricular dysfunction associated with severe coarctation of the aorta.
Blood Pressure
- Blood pressure gradient suggests left ventricular dysfunction associated with severe coarctation of the aorta.
Respiratory Rate
- Tachypnea may be present
Lungs
- Lung crackles may be heard.
Heart
- Abnormal heart sounds
- Heart murmur
Abdomen
- Hepatomegaly
Extremities
- The child may have clubbed fingers.
- Cyanosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]