What is a cardiology stethoscope?

A cardiology stethoscope is a specialized type of stethoscope that is designed specifically for use in cardiology. Cardiology is the study of the heart, and a cardiology stethoscope is designed to help physicians listen to and diagnose problems with the heart.

Compared to regular stethoscopes, cardiology stethoscopes deliver superior acoustic performance and diagnostic versatility. As a medical school student, I remember a diagnostics class where the instructor said, “If you don’t have a good stethoscope, get one.” At the time, I was using a regular stethoscope, and I thought it was just fine. However, after trying out a cardiology stethoscope, I could immediately tell the difference in performance.

What makes a Cardiology stethoscope different from others?

  • Superior acoustic performance: The critical differentiating feature of cardiology stethoscopes lies in their ability to detect high and low-frequency sounds. This enables doctors and medical practitioners to differentiate different heart sounds. This is essential when you need to listen for faint heartbeats or other subtle changes in a patient’s condition.
  • Enhanced tubing: The tubing of a cardiology stethoscope is usually thicker than that of a regular stethoscope. This helps to reduce ambient noise and improve acoustic transmission.
  • Diagnostic versatility: A good cardiology stethoscope will have multiple frequency settings (high, low, and bell) that enable the user to focus on specific sounds. This is essential for making an accurate diagnosis.

How to choose the best stethoscope for cardiology

When choosing a cardiology stethoscope, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Acoustic performance: This is the most important factor to consider when choosing a cardiology stethoscope. Make sure to choose a stethoscope that has excellent acoustic performance.
  • Tubing: The tubing of a cardiology stethoscope should be thick and durable. This will help to reduce ambient noise and improve acoustic transmission.
  • Frequency response: A good cardiology stethoscope should have multiple frequency settings (high, low, and bell) that enable the user to focus on specific sounds.
  • Comfort: A cardiology stethoscope should be comfortable to use. Make sure to choose a stethoscope with soft ear tips that fit snugly in your ears.

How to listen to heartbeat using a cardiology stethoscope:

where do you place the stethoscope for heart sounds?

To listen to heart sounds, you place the stethoscope on the patient’s chest. The best place to listen listen to heart sounds is at the apex of the heart. The apex is the point on the chest where the heart is closest to the skin and is located at the fifth left intercostal space just left of the sternum.

What heart sounds should you listen for?

There are two main types of heart sounds: S1 and S2. S1 is caused by the closing of the AV valves (tricuspid and mitral) and is heard best at the apex of the heart. S2 is caused by the closing of the semilunar valves (pulmonic and aortic) and is heard best at the base of the heart.

In addition to S1 and S2, there are other heart sounds that can be heard using a cardiology stethoscope. These include:

S3: This is a low-pitched, galloping sound that is caused by the filling of the ventricles with blood. It is heard best at the apex of the heart.

S4: This is a high-pitched, galloping sound that is caused by the closing of the AV valves. It is heard best at the apex of the heart.

What are some common heart sounds?

Some common heart sounds include:

  • lubb-dupp: This sound is produced by the closing of the AV valves .
  • lubb: This sound is produced by the closing of the semilunar valves.
  • swish-swish: This sound is produced by the filling of the ventricles with blood.

There are two ways to listen to a heartbeat using a cardiology stethoscope:

  • 1. The first way is to place the stethoscope on the patient’s chest. You will need to find the right spot on the chest where you can hear the heartbeat clearly. This spot may differ from person to person.
  • 2. The second way is to place the stethoscope in the patient’s armpit. This method is known as the auscultatory method. To do this, you will need to place the stethoscope in the patient’s armpit and then press down on the stethoscope with your fingers. This will help to amplify the sound of the heartbeat.

Heartbeat sounds detected by Cardiology Stethoscope:

Heartbeat sounds are differentiated by their intensity (loudness) and frequency (pitch). These two factors are important in diagnosing heart conditions.

Intensity: The intensity of a heartbeat sound is determined by the amount of blood flowing through the heart. A loud heartbeat sound indicates that there is a lot of blood flow, while a soft heartbeat sound indicates that there is a little blood flow.

Frequency: The frequency of a heartbeat sound is determined by the rate at which the heart beats. A high-pitched heartbeat sound indicates a fast heart rate, while a low-pitched heartbeat sound indicates a slow heart rate.

Some of the heartbeat sounds include S4, S3, S2, and S1.

  • S1: This is the first heart sound. It is caused by the closing of the AV valves (tricuspid and mitral). A cardiology stethoscope can detect S1 heart sounds.
  • S2: This is the second heart sound. It is caused by the closing of the semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic). A cardiology stethoscope can detect S2 heart sounds.
  • S3: A normal S3 heart sound is produced just before the fourth heart sound (S4). It occurs when the ventricles are filling with blood. Cardiology stethoscope can help to amplify this sound.
  • S4: A normal S4 heart sound is low-pitched and produced just before the second heart sound (S2). It occurs when the ventricles are filling with blood. Cardiology stethoscope can help to amplify this sound.
  • High-pitched sounds: High-pitched sounds may be present in the heart sounds of some people. A cardiology stethoscope can help to amplify these sounds.

Problems with heartbeats that a cardiology stethoscope can detect:

  • Arrhythmia: An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. Cardiology stethoscope can help to detect this problem.
  • Heart murmur: A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound that is produced when blood flow through the heart is disrupted. A cardiology stethoscope can help to detect this problem.
  • Valvular heart disease: Valvular heart disease is a condition in which the valves of the heart are not working properly. A cardiology stethoscope can help to detect this problem.

Reviews of the Best Stethoscopes for Cardiology:

Welch Allyn Harvey Stethoscope

Our overall best stethoscope for cardiology in this 2022 list is the Welch Allyn Harvey Stethoscope which stands out because of its brass construction. This stethoscope is designed to accentuate important heart sounds and enable you to hear cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular sounds.

Since 2007 when this brand was released to market, it has great reviews with cardiologists making positive remarks such as;

“This is the best stethoscope for cardiology. It’s very well made and designed to accentuate important heart sounds.”

“It has enabled me to hear things that I couldn’t hear with other stethoscopes.”

“This stethoscope has helped me to make better diagnoses.”

The Welch Allyn Harvey Cardiology Stethoscope is the best stethoscope for cardiology applications. This stethoscope features a single-piece tunable diaphragm that allows you to hear high, medium and low frequency sounds with one simple adjustment. The double-head chest piece includes both a flat diaphragm and brass bell, providing versatility for all types of clinical situations.

The Welch Allyn Harvey stethoscope is a full-range, cardiology/pulmonary stethoscope with a new longer 28″ length. The Harvey stethoscope has chrome-plated brass chest pieces and binaural that are rotatable for ease of use and interchangeable comfort sealing ear tips to ensure a comfortable fit. Pediatric chest pieces are available separately. This Welch Allyn Harvey Stethoscope comes with a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer, Welch Allyn Inc., against defects in materials or workmanship.

Specs:

  • Name: Welch Allyn 5079-325 Harvey DLX Stethoscopes, Double Head, 28″, Black
  • Brand Name: Welch Allyn
  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12 x 12 x 12 inches; 12.7 Ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ WEL5079-325
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ April 14, 2007
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Welch Allyn
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B014SMV0NG
  • Rating 4.4/5 by 20+ customers

Pros:

  • – Excellent acoustic performance
  • – Good build quality
  • – Tunable diaphragm
  • – Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • – Some users find the ear tips uncomfortable
  • – Stethoscope’s chest piece is heavy
  • -You’ll have to buy pediatric diaphragm seperately
  • -It may take some people to get used to the long tube.

3M™ Littmann® Master Cardiology Stethoscope

Our second best cardilogy stethoscope in this list is by the renowned 3M Littmann, the Master Cardiology Stethoscope. This stethoscope is designed for cardiologists and other medical professionals who need the highest acoustic performance for making critical diagnoses.

It features a tunable diaphragm that can be used to hear low or high frequency sounds, and an ergonomic design that provides comfort during extended use.

The 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope is the perfect choice for clinicians who require outstanding acoustic performance combined with exceptional versatility.

Its two-in-one tube design (dual lumen) eliminates noise interference from two external tubes rubbing together, while the special-procedures adaptor (included) adds versatility to the instrument.

The anatomically designed headset is angled to meet the path of the ear canal, and its wide diameter aerospace alloy / anodized aluminum construction ensures durability. The diaphragm material is epoxy/fibeglassr for superior acoustic response.

Specs:

  • Name: 3M™ Littmann® Master Cardiology Stethoscope
  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 27 x 2 x 7.5 inches; 6.7 Ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 2176
  • Department ‏ : ‎ Women’s
  • National Stock Number ‏ : ‎ 70200763681
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ December 30, 2009
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ 3M Littmann
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005EXZO9U
  • Warranty: 7 year manufacturer warranty
  • Reviews: An average of 4.8/5 by 5,000+ customers

Pros:

  • – Outstanding acoustic performance
  • – Dual lumen tube design eliminates noise interference
  • – Special-procedures adaptor included
  • – Anatomically designed headset for comfort
  • – Durable construction

Cons:

  • When cleaned with alcohol frequently, the stainless steel bell rusted.
  • One user noted that the tube gets blocked and then you can’t hear with it anymore
  • It is heavy

3M Littmann Cardiology S.T.C.

If you want a cardiology stethoscope that you can switch from low to high-frequency, the next brand by 3M Littmann, the Cardiology S.T.C. Stethoscope is a good choice. This stethoscope features a patented tunable diaphragm that can be used to hear low or high-frequency sounds without having to turn over the chest piece.

The 3M Littmann Cardiology S.T.C. is a precision, balanced, ergonomically designed chestpiece that moves easily between various auscultation sites and delivers high acoustic performance.

The 3M Littmann Cardiology S.T.C. is a top-of-the-line stethoscope that offers superior sound quality and comfort. The soft-touch insert provides a comfortable, secure grip in at least three hand positions, while the tunable diaphragm responds with a simple pressure change to capture low and high-frequency sounds.

The two-in-one tube design eliminates noise interference from two external tubes rubbing together, and the anatomically correct and angled headset channels sound into the ear canal for accurate diagnosis.

Specs:

  • Name: 3M Littmann Cardiology S.T.C.
  • Brand: 3 M Littmann
  • Color: Black
  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16 x 8 x 4 inches; 6.4 Ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 4471
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ May 27, 2004
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ 3M Littmann
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000F4W1PS
  • Warranty: 6 years
  • Customer Reviews: 4.3/5 by 60+ customers

Pros:

  • – Tunable diaphragm for low or high-frequency sounds
  • – Soft-touch insert provides a comfortable grip
  • – Two-in-one tube design eliminates noise interference
  • – Anatomically correct and angled headset for accurate diagnosis

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Compared to the Master Cardiology version, its sound quality is inferior

3M Littmann Stethoscope, Cardiology IV

Cardiology IV is the most advanced stethoscope in the Littmann line of sophisticated ultra-sensitive stethoscopes suitable for high-stake cardiology operations. This model will enable you to make more accurate diagnoses faster and with confidence.

91% of over 11,000 medical professionals that have rated this stethoscope brand gave it an average rating of 5/5 which is impressive! So what does this model have to offer for cardiologists looking for reliable heart ascultation?

Firstly, it features a new tunable diaphragm which lets you alternate between low and high-frequency sounds without having to flip the chestpiece. You can also hear heart tones in greater detail thanks to the improved acoustic seal that Littmann has engineered into this model as well as its excellent sound-amplifying tubes.

In addition, this stethoscope comes with a new ergonomic design that makes it more comfortable to wear around your neck for long periods of time. It is also 30% lighter than previous Littmann models which is another big plus.

It also combines outstanding acoustics with superior performance and value. The Cardiology IV has a tunable diaphragm that allows you to hear different frequency sounds by simply adjusting the pressure on the chestpiece.

With its patented double-leaf spring design, it’s easier to move between soft and loud sounds and improves acoustic sensitivity for high performance in both clinical and challenging environments.

Specs:

  • Name:3M Littmann Stethoscope, Cardiology IV
  • Brand: 3M Littmann
  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 27 x 1 x 1 inches; 5.89 Ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 6163
  • National Stock Number ‏ : ‎ 70200789553
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 30, 2016
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ 3M Littmann
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01M0I4KOZ
  • Warranty: 7 years
  • Rating: 4.8/5 by over 11,300 customers on Amazon

Pros:

  1. Superior acoustics for accurate diagnoses
  2. Tunable diaphragm for different frequency sounds
  3. Patented double-leaf spring design for better sound quality
  4. Excellent performance in both clinical and challenging environments

Cons:

  • Some users found that the chest piece was too small.
  • The tubing is not as durable as some of the other models and can kink easily

Cardiology stethoscope vs classic stethoscope

A cardiology stethoscope is designed for cardiologists and other medical professionals who need the highest acoustic performance for making critical diagnoses. It features a tunable diaphragm that can be used to hear low or high-frequency sounds, and an ergonomic design that provides comfort during extended use.

A classic stethoscope, on the other hand, is a more basic model that is typically used by general practitioners and nurses. It features a single-sided chest piece with a bell or diaphragm for detecting heart sounds, and tubing that connects to earpieces.

MDF cardiology stethoscope vs Littmann cardiology IV stethoscope

  • The MDF cardiology stethoscope is the cheaper costing about $125 while Littmann Cardiology IV costs $180
  • Littmann is lighter, weights 171 grams against MDF’s 271 grams
  • MDF tube is longer, 29 inches against Littmann’s 27 inches

Cardiology Stethoscope brands;

Some of the popular cardiology brands include;

– 3M Littmann:

– ADC:

– Welch Allyn:

– Riester:

– Thinklabs: Kasco

– MDF Instruments

Cardiology stethoscope canada:

There are a few places to buy a cardiology stethoscope in Canada. Some of the popular places include;

FAQs

Q:is cardiology stethoscope better?

A: A cardiology stethoscope is better than a regular stethoscope as it has superior acoustic performance and enhanced tubing design that makes it provide more accurate ‘listening’ of the different heart sounds.

Q:How much does a good cardiology stethoscope cost?

A: A good cardiology stethoscope typically costs between $100 and $300.

Q:Where can I buy a cardiology stethoscope?

A: You can purchase a cardiology stethoscope online or at most medical supply stores.