Summary

• PoCUS is a rapid and focused tool for assessing cardiac function, offering more timely insights than the physical exam alone and providing useful preliminary information to guide further cardiology evaluation and management.
• PoCUS should be used as a rule-in tool, not a rule-out test, especially when clinical suspicion for LV dysfunction is high. A normal or unclear PoCUS exam does not exclude pathology and should not replace formal imaging when concern persists
• Multiple views = more confidence. Always assess LV systolic function from the standard windows (PLAX, PSAX, A4C, and subxiphoid 4-chamber) to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• An EPSS ≤ 7 mm is generally considered within normal limits, though values should always be interpreted in context and with consideration of the clinical picture.
• Be mindful of the limitations, both technical (e.g., foreshortening, off-axis views, poor acoustic windows) and interpretive (e.g., variability in qualitative and quantitative measures).