Assess for pericardial effusion and differentiate from pleural effusions
Assess ejection fraction using E-point septal separation (EPSS)
Measures the distance between the maximal opening of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve during diastole (the E wave) and the septum
Measured using M mode
EPSS > 7mm is 100% sensitive for EF < 30%
Measures the distance between the maximal opening of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve during diastole (the E wave) and the septum
Measured using M mode
EPSS > 7mm is 100% sensitive for EF < 30%
Assess for pericaridal effusion
Assess for squeeze - visual estimate of hyperdynamic, good, moderate, or poor
Assess RV:LV diameter at the level of the valves
Normal RV:LV is 0.6:1
RV strain is >1:1
Assess for McConnell's sign
Normal RV:LV is 0.6:1
RV strain is >1:1
Assess for pericardial effusion
If concerns for PE, assess for right ventricular wall diameter in end diastole
Diameter of <5mm is suggestive of acute pulmonary hypertension
Diameter of >5mm is suggestive of chronic pulmonary hypertension
Diameter of <5mm is suggestive of acute pulmonary hypertension
Diameter of >5mm is suggestive of chronic pulmonary hypertension
Assess for aortic dissection
Tyically included in interpretation
Cardiac ultrasound
ECG 
Aortic ultrasound
Cardiac enzymes
Formal echocardiography
Arterial blood gas analysis
Age adjusted D-dimer
Venous blood gas