The Cardiac Exam: Percussion

The Cardiac Exam: Percussion

Percussion, tapping on the surface to determine the underlying structure, does have a small role in the cardiac exam, although its role in the cardiac exam is much less then in other parts of the physical exam such as the abdominal or pulmonary exam.

Cardiac percussion is performed at the third, fourth, and fifth intercostal spaces from the left axillary to the right axillary lines.  Normal cardiac percussion should show dullness to percussion from the sternum to approximately 6 cm lateral to the left of the sternum.

(18 December 2008)
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