Which is NOT an indication for echocardiography when evaluating cardiac function?

• A. Abnormal heart sounds
• B. Persistent cough
• C. New murmur
• D. Shortness of breath

Answer: (B)

When deciding whether to order an echocardiogram to evaluate cardiac function, clinicians look for signs that point directly to heart structure or function. Abnormal heart sounds can indicate valve disease or ventricular dysfunction, so an echo helps confirm and quantify those findings. A new murmur signals possible valve pathology that needs imaging to assess anatomy and flow. Shortness of breath is a common clue for heart failure or reduced cardiac reserve, and echo provides essential information about ventricular function, size, and filling pressures. A persistent cough, however, is more often due to respiratory or noncardiac causes such as bronchitis, asthma, COPD, or infection, and by itself does not directly prompt an echo to evaluate the heart. Thus, a persistent cough is not an indication for echocardiography when assessing cardiac function.