What is the primary physical examination finding that should be taken into account in patients with suspected heart disease during pregnancy?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the most important physical examination finding to consider when evaluating patients for potential heart disease during pregnancy.
Answer
Breathlessness, tachycardia, and signs of heart failure, often accompanied by pulmonary oedema.
The primary physical examination finding in patients with suspected heart disease during pregnancy is breathlessness, tachycardia, and signs of heart failure, often accompanied by pulmonary oedema.
Answer for screen readers
The primary physical examination finding in patients with suspected heart disease during pregnancy is breathlessness, tachycardia, and signs of heart failure, often accompanied by pulmonary oedema.
More Information
In pregnant patients with suspected heart disease, these symptoms should be evaluated. Pulmonary oedema and an enlarged heart can also be detected via chest X-ray.
Tips
A common mistake is focusing solely on one symptom. It is crucial to consider a combination of clinical signs and imaging findings.
Sources
- Cardiovascular Diseases in Pregnancy - A Brief Overview - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Congenital heart disease - Diagnosis - NHS - nhs.uk