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Digital stethoscope: technology update
Authors Swarup S, Makaryus AN
Received 23 September 2017
Accepted for publication 18 November 2017
Published 4 January 2018 Volume 2018:11 Pages 29—36
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S135882
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Colin Mak
Peer reviewer comments 3
Editor who approved publication: Dr Scott Fraser
Video abstract presented by Amgad N Makaryus
Views: 1295
Supreeya Swarup,1 Amgad N Makaryus1,2
1Department of Cardiology, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY, 2Department of Cardiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, Hempstead, NY, USA
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognized as the leading cause of mortality throughout the world. About one-third of global mortality is attributable to CVD. In addition to clinical presentation, specific clinical exam findings can assist in treating and preventing CVD. CVD may initially manifest as pulmonary pathology, and thus, accurate cardiopulmonary auscultation is paramount to establishing accurate diagnosis. One of the most powerful tools available to physicians is the stethoscope. The stethoscope first emerged in the year 1818, invented by a French physician, René Laennec. Since then, the initial modest monaural wooden tube has evolved into a sophisticated digital device. This paper provides an analysis of the evolution of the stethoscope as well as highlights the advancement made by the modern digital stethoscope including the application of this tool in advancing care for patients suffering from CVD.
Keywords: cardiovascular disease, physical exam, diagnosis, treatment
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