Clinical Exam’s Hidden Power in Heart Failure

In this CardioNerds podcast, hosts Amit Goyal, Daniel Ambinder, and Dr. Alex Pipilas delve into the art and science of the bedside physical exam in heart failure patients with expert Dr. Mark Drazner—Professor of Medicine and Clinical Chief of Cardiology at UT Southwestern. Dr. Drazner brings rich clinical pearls on interpreting jugular venous pressure, pulmonary and systemic congestion signs, bendopnea, S3 gallops, cool extremities, pulse pressure, and perfusion markers. The discussion emphasizes how nuanced findings can guide volume assessment, disease severity, prognosis, and management — even in the era of imaging and biomarkers — offering an accessible but powerful reminder that listening, palpation, and observation still matter deeply in caring for patients with heart failure.