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Written question asked by Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party) on Friday, 2 September 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 September 2022 (named day). It was answered by James Morris (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 September 2022 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Heart Diseases: Diagnosis

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to support the increased use of stethoscopes in (a) primary care settings and (b) CDCs for the detection of heart valve disease.

Answer

NHS England has assessed that clinical auscultation using a stethoscope is insufficiently sensitive to identify the presence and clinical significance of heart valve disease. Clinicians are expected to consider the history of the patient and undertake an examination to ensure the appropriate test is requested, which would normally include auscultation of the heart, with other assessments such as blood pressure. While some community diagnostic centres may have facilities to examine patients, its aims are to provide diagnostics tests such as echocardiograms.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
45248
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Diagnosis Heart diseases Primary care Medical equipment Community diagnostic centres
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk