How can a dr identify cardiac bruit listening to the left chest below the clavicle? i thought you would listen above the clavicle or in the neck?...

Transmitted: some bruits can be transmitted to the cardiac area and are often well heard in this area; addtionally, it is a good practice to rule out a heart murmur which can also be transmiited.

Auscultation: What you are referring to is a carotid bruit. The carotid artery runs in the neck and is best listened to over the are of which you refer. Cardiac or heart sounds are best heard over the anterior chest wall.

Bruit is turbulent: A bruit is the sound of turbulent blood flow. It can be heard in various locations & may not be ominous, depending on the cause. For instance, turbulent blood flow is normal after exercise out of the aortic valve; it is heard in the right chest, below the clavicle. A bruit in the neck could be from a narrow carotid artery. Left chest below clavicle cd point to a pulmonary or mitral valve problem.

Subclavian Artery: The subclavian artery courses under the clavicle and there are many cases of subclavian steal and stenosis which can be picked up this way. Best confirmed with Ultrasound or CT scan following. (neck would be for carotid bruits).