Inspection of the heart

During the physical examination of the cardiovascular system, the patient's precordium should be inspected for the following:


 * Pectus excavatum which may accentuate murmurs
 * masses
 * scars
 * lesions
 * signs of trauma and previous surgery (e.g. median sternotomy)
 * a precordial bulge
 * visible apex beat
 * increased in jugular venous pressure (JVP)