The cardiovascular assessment procedure can vary, but typically includes a broad assessment of the circulatory system, with a focus on the heart itself. Your doctor will examine your heart health through observation (looking), palpation (touching) and auscultation (listening). Before the cardio exam, doctors might take a family history or perform a general physical examination. This information can bring to light potential risk factors, genetic predispositions or other symptoms that could affect your heart.

During the assessment, your cardiologist will perform a series of observations and noninvasive tests. Your doctor’s cardiovascular examination checklist might include the following steps:

• Assess vital signs: Your vitals might include your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, temperature, weight and oxygen levels. These are all key indicators of overall heart health and any potential problems.
• Take pulses: Your doctor will take the pulses of your carotid and peripheral arteries to assess the blood vessels’ symmetry, intensity and elasticity.
• Observe veins: Looking for varicosities and other abnormalities in your veins can alert a healthcare provider to potential blood flow issues.
• Inspect chest and lungs: Chest deformities and abnormal lung readings can signal problems like heart failure or congenital heart defects.
• Examine abdomen and extremities: Your doctor will examine your abdomen, arms and legs for possible fluid buildup or other symptoms of poor blood flow, which might be a sign of heart trouble.
• Perform cardiac auscultation: Your doctor can glean valuable information by listening for heart sounds, murmurs and rubs with a stethoscope.