OBSERVATION IN CARDIOLOGY PATIENTS

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. One of the reasons for the increased incidence of these diseases is the aging of the population. In recent years, an increase in the number of those affected in working age has been reported. The basis for their diagnosis is the history and physical examination. Observation of the patient begins in the first minutes of meeting him. Attention is paid to posture, gait, skin color, breathing, etc. The detection of findings such as changes in the chest, petechiae, clubbing, cyanosis, edema, yellowish spots around the eyelids, etc. may lead us to think that a disease of cardiac origin is present. The purpose of this report is to present the most common signs of the presence of a cardiac problem, found during the observation of patients. We used the deduction method and also expressed personal observations from working with cardiovascular patients. In addition to the detection of common features of cardiac diseases such as peripheral and central cyanosis, edema of the extremities and abdomen, symptoms of a specific disease can be detected. Brittle nails, impaired hair growth, the presence of superficial varicose veins and edema indicate vascular insufficiency. The presence of lesions on the hands may be caused by endocarditis. Yellowish deposits around the eyes (xanthomas) are the result of hyperlipidemia. A detailed observation of patients depends on the competence of the examiner and is of essential importance for the diagnosis of diseases. The detection of the findings mentioned in the article can help in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, and thus influence the symptoms in order to improve the quality of life of those affected.