Apex Beat

Apex Beat is the contraction of the heart during systole. It may be felt or audible on the left side of the chest between the fifth and sixth ribs.

The impulse is formed due to contraction of the left ventricle during systole and the directed movement of the heart downwards, to the left and anteriorly. It reflects the force of contraction of the left ventricular myocardium.

On auscultation, the apical impulse is usually heard between the 5th and 6th intercostal spaces along the left midclavicular line. By palpation it is determined 1-2 cm below the listening site. An increase in the intensity of the impulse may indicate hypertrophy of the left ventricular myocardium.

The apex beat is a contraction of the heart during systole, which can be felt or heard in the left half of the chest between the fifth and sixth ribs. This sound can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical activity, stress, emotional arousal, caffeine or alcohol consumption, and others.

Normally, the apical impulse should be soft and uniform. However, if it becomes louder or uneven, it may indicate a heart problem. For example, the apical impulse may be increased in case of coronary heart disease, which causes disruption of the blood supply to the heart muscle.

In addition, the apical impulse can change in various heart diseases, such as arrhythmias, heart defects and others. Therefore, if you feel or hear an apex beat that is different from normal, it is recommended that you see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

It is important to note that the apex beat is not the only diagnostic sign of heart disease. For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, which includes ECG, echocardiography and other methods.

Thus, the apex beat is an important diagnostic sign that may indicate heart disease. If you feel or hear this sound, contact your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

The cardiac impulse is the contraction (systole) of the heart that occurs just before blood leaves the heart into the blood vessels. As a result of blood entering the lumen of the artery, a short-term sharp noise occurs, heard on the surface of the chest, which is called the cardiac (apical) beat.