Cardiac Assessment

A cardiac assessment can diagnose unusual activities in the heart, some of which may indicate a serious health problem. Doctors use a wide range of techniques to assess the heart.

Procedures

• Doctors use several basic techniques in assessing a patient's heart. They may feel the chest for unusual vibrations or pulses. They also use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and surrounding areas, checking for abnormal rhythms or other unusual sounds, according to Florida Gulf Coast University.

Technology

• In addition to the familiar stethoscope, doctors have a variety of tools and technologies to help them assess the heart. The electrocardiogram machine, for instance, records the hart's functions electronically while modern imaging technology allows doctors to view the heart in action.

Considerations

• As part of the cardiac assessment, doctors must note any background data that might indicate possible current or future heart trouble in the patient. These facts include family history of heart disease, the patient's own general health and personal habits such as stress levels, exercise, sleep habits and alcohol or tobacco use.