Space
Cardiac auscultation areas
Chest-wall regions for hearing transmitted cardiac sounds
High-yield
The mitral area is usually near the fifth left intercostal space at the midclavicular line; the apex can shift with anatomy or disease.
Overview
Listening areas are surface landmarks rather than the exact positions of the valves. Standard locations include the second right and left parasternal interspaces for aortic and pulmonary sounds, the lower left sternal border for tricuspid sounds, and the apex for mitral sounds.
Reference facts
- Boundaries
- Common anterior chest landmarks extend from the second parasternal interspaces to the lower sternal border and cardiac apex
- Contents
- These are listening sites over chest-wall tissues, not a distinct anatomical cavity
- Communications
- Cardiac vibrations travel through blood and surrounding tissues; their audible distribution depends on the sound and anatomy
Mnemonic
Upper pair: aortic right, pulmonary left. Lower pair: tricuspid beside the sternum, mitral at the apex.
Clinical correlation
A murmur's timing, character and distribution are interpreted with the rest of the examination. Its loudest location alone does not establish which lesion is present.
Frequently asked questions
What are the boundaries of the cardiac auscultation areas?
Common anterior chest landmarks extend from the second parasternal interspaces to the lower sternal border and cardiac apex.
What does the cardiac auscultation areas contain?
The cardiac auscultation areas contains the these are listening sites over chest-wall tissues, not a distinct anatomical cavity.
What does the cardiac auscultation areas communicate with?
Cardiac vibrations travel through blood and surrounding tissues; their audible distribution depends on the sound and anatomy.