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Stethoscopes: Well Known Yet Arguably Mysterious

Elise Wollemberg

October 16, 2020          

 

          From physicals to emergency room visits, the stethoscope remains a pertinent device in
almost every medical examination. Serving as an amplification device for medical professionals,
the stethoscope allows professionals to analyze this information in an auditory manner. The
stethoscope is used to diagnose vascular, heart, and lung conditions, and the testing for which is
an important step in any diagnosis. Dr. Balavari, a cardiologist answered all of our questions in
an interview.
          We’ve all seen a stethoscope, but how do they work?
          Stethoscopes contain three parts, a round diaphragm, plastic tubing, and two metal
earpieces. Sound enters the diaphragm as a vibration, and is first collected by the plastic covering
surrounding it. The sound is then carried through the tubing towards the earpieces. The earpieces
are hollow allowing the sound to travel into the medical professional’s ears. The professional
listening to a patient’s heart can then make further treatment plans based on the analysis of the
sounds heard.
          What sounds are produced by the heart?

          In abnormal cases, this may differ; however, in the heart of a healthy adult two sounds
are produced. The two sounds are the first and second part of a heart bear, the lub and dub
respectively. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve close at a similar time, allowing for the
production of the first sound. The second sound is produced as the heart leaves the aorta and
pulmonary arteries and their respective valves close at another similar time. One sound those
using stethoscopes listen for, is a heart murmur, or, “A raspy or blowing noise,” which indicates
that blood is not flowing smoothly. The article states that the identification of a heart murmur
can lead to the diagnosis of a valve disorder.
          Are stethoscopes ever used in a different manner?
          Dr. Balavi explained that stethoscopes can be used to listen to a patient’s heartbeat and to
find the patient’s blood pressure. She explained that, “We [medical professionals] also use
stethoscopes in conjunction with sphygmomanometers to determine a person’s blood pressure.”
A sphygmomanometer is the device placed around a patient’s arm in order to determine the
patient’s blood pressure.

 

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