How to conduct a cardiovascular assessment in advanced practice

Coaten, Josey-Marie
North, Zach

Authors Josey-Marie Coaten is programme leader MSc advanced clinical practice and Zach North is MSc head of school: paramedical, peri-operative and advanced practice (interim); both at the University of Hull.

Nursing Times 120(7):p 21-26, July 2024.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in developed countries, accounting for a quarter of UK deaths and morbidity. A cardiovascular assessment can reveal cardiac abnormalities and give an understanding of associated symptoms and risk factors to aid early diagnosis. This article, the sixth in a series on assessment and interpretation for advanced clinical practitioners, shows how to take an accurate history and complete a structured physical examination. This includes inspection, palpation and auscultation of the heart, arteries and veins.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed