Evaluation of chest pain

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Despite the multiple “high-tech” methods that are used in everyday practice, initial diagnosis of chest pain and categorization into cardiac versus noncardiac causes are still based on a carefully taken history and an understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia as it relates to patients' specific complaints. As Dr Shima explains, asking the right questions and examining patients using the four cardinal skills of inspection, percussion, palpation, and auscultation can yield immediate and very important diagnostic information to trained clinicians.