Parasternal Long Axis

• Often most easily obtained
• Start high and move down lateral to sternum

• Right ventricle (RV) anterior
• Aorta (Ao) – root in center
  • Descending aorta posterior
• Left atrium (LA) posterior
• Left ventricle (LV) and apex
• Mitral valve well visualized
  • Anterior/posterior leaflets

• Look posteriorly for effusion

• Look posteriorly for effusion

• Watch anterior leaflet of mitral valve to help estimate ejection fraction

Normal LV EF

Depressed LV EF

• Watch anterior leaflet of mitral valve to help estimate ejection fraction

Normal LV EF

Depressed LV EF