 These include simple methods such as those that are part of the cardiovascular examination, including the taking of a person's pulse as an indicator of a person's heart rate, the taking of blood pressure through a sphygmomanometer or the use of a stethoscope to listen to the heart for murmurs which may indicate problems with the heart's valves.An electrocardiogram can also be used to evaluate the way in which electricity is conducted through the heart.Other more invasive means can also be used.