Hearing more than the heart

Re: “Nice stethoscope. Now, Learn to Use It” [Jan. 30]: Yes, the stethoscope is still useful in detecting heart problems, but it is also an important tool for identifying other medical problems.

Listening over the lungs may identify asthma or emphysema. Listening over the neck may detect narrowing of the carotid arteries associated with decreased blood flow to the brain.

Listening over the abdomen may detect abnormal function of the intestines or accumulation of fluid associated with liver disease.

Personally, I’m not giving up my stethoscope.

DR. HARRY COZEN

Thousand Oaks