APPROACH TO THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE COMMON TYPES OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Frequently it is thought that the diagnosis of congenital heart disease can be made only by the specialist or in the medical center where it is possible to carry out elaborate diagnostic studies. Most of the important congenital defects can be correctly diagnosed by the physician who has a knowledge of certain basic facts and who inquires briefly into the history, uses his hands and stethoscope, and in certain instances makes use of the electrocardiograph, the x-ray tube or the fluoroscope. These facilities are available to most practicing physicians. Since the physician who first sees the patient plays one of the most important roles in the management of congenital defects of the heart, I should like to review for his benefit the important steps that are used in arriving at a diagnosis of the common congenital defects. This group includes the cases in which surgery has so much to offer