The apex of the heart is its blunt, rounded tip, formed by the left ventricle. It points downwards, forwards and to the left. Its tap against the chest wall during each beat produces the apex beat.
| Location | Behind the left fifth intercostal space, about 9 cm from the midline at or just inside the midclavicular line in adults. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Blood Supply | Left anterior descending artery (often wrapping around the apex) |
Moves forwards and strikes the chest wall in early systole, allowing the heart's position and size to be assessed by touch. Contraction begins near the apex and spreads towards the base.
A displaced apex beat suggests an enlarged left ventricle, and a forceful sustained one suggests hypertrophy. The apex is the best place to hear the mitral valve. Apical clot can form after a large anterior myocardial infarction.
Sudden, usually temporary weakness of the apical segments, often after severe emotional or physical stress. It mimics a heart attack and typically recovers over weeks.
A form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy confined to the apex. It produces deep T-wave inversion on the ECG and can be missed on standard echo views.
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