How to Listen to the Heart With a Stethoscope

Use a stethoscope to make sure your heart beat is normal.

A stethoscope is a tool commonly used by doctors to check someone's heart beat, breathing patterns, bowel functions and organ functions. Even those not trained in medicine may find it beneficial to keep a stethoscope on hand in case of an emergency. Those who suffer from heart irregularities may find it even more important to own one and to know the proper way to use a stethoscope.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swabs
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

How to Properly Use a Stethoscope to Monitor Heart Health

1. Clean the stethoscope by applying rubbing alcohol to cotton swabs and wiping the ear pieces and the chest piece with the soaked swab.

2. Warm up the chest piece by rubbing it between your hands.

3. Put the ear pieces in each of your ears.

4. Test the sound by tapping on the chest piece with your finger to see if you can hear properly.

5. Use your middle finger and your index finger to grip the chest piece of the stethoscope.

6. Place the chest piece a few inches above the left nipple to ensure it is in the proper location to monitor the heart.

7. When you hear a thumping noise, you have found the heartbeat.

Tips & Warnings

• Proper care and regular maintenance are necessary to make sure the stethoscope functions properly.

References

• 3M: Stethoscope Care and Maintanence
• 3M: Heart Sounds Training