Equine heart disease. An overview

The clinician must appreciate unique aspects of equine cardiovascular physiology in order to distinguish normal variation from a pathophysiologic state. Cardiovascular problems in the horse include auscultation of cardiac murmurs, identification of cardiac arrhythmias, and recognition of congestive heart failure. A cardiac data base including history, general and cardiovascular examination, and resting and postexercise electrocardiogram are necessary to evaluate most horses for significant heart disease. Additional studies, such as echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, are useful in selected cases. Because some types of heart disease are amendable by therapy, an accurate diagnosis is needed to direct treatment and offer a realistic prognosis.