Cardiovascular assessment of the newborn

Abstract

The ability to conduct a thorough cardiovascular assessment of the newborn and infant is still a valuable skill. It takes time and practice to perfect this skill because of the complexity of the newborn cardiac system. The evolution of sophisticated technological diagnostic instruments in conjunction with a good physical examination can increase the chances of early detection of cardiac problems and improve the prognosis, in most cases. This article describes the essential elements of the newborn cardiovascular assessment. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.