Apical 4 chamber: Difference between revisions

==Characteristics of a Good Apical Four Chamber View==

This view is important in the assessment of size and function of the ventricles, atria, and the vascular structure and function. It also allows the visualization of the septal and lateral free walls and the apex of the left ventricle. The mitral and tricuspid valve and the interventricular and interatrial septa are also seen. In an ideal apical four chamber view, the apex of the left ventricle is at the center of where the septum and lateral wall meet.

The atria and apex of the heart can be observed in the image’s lower and upper regions, respectively. The left and right cavities of the heart and their respective atrio-ventricular valves are found in the right and left regions of the image, respectively.  

Usually, the mitral valve can be seen at a slightly higher position than the tricuspid valve. To identify ventricular chambers properly, bear in mind the correct location of the leaflets: the anterior mitral leaflet is near the cepgalic edge of the septum, inserting into the left atrio-ventricular groove, and the septal leaflet of the tricuspid is below the anterior mitral leaflet.