parasternal heave
Last reviewed 01/2018
A parasternal heave is detected by placing the heel of the hand over the left parasternal region. In the presence of a heave the heel of the hand is lifted off the chest wall with each systole.
A parasternal heave is caused by:
- right ventricular enlargement, or
- rarely, severe left atrial enlargement which pushes the right ventricle forwards