Method Of Exam

Inspect the precordium tangentially while the patient is laying flat in bed from either the patient's head or foot for symmetry and pulsations.

Normal:

• The precordium is symmetrical.
• In thin individuals, the apical impulse is recognizable.
• Apical impulse is located in 5th interspace just internal to midclavicular line.
• The left precordium will dip slightly during systole.