Clinical Insight: Murmurs

Know normal in order to be able to discern abnormal.

Aortic Stenosis: Ejection Systolic Murmur (Crescendo-Decrescendo)

Heard loudest at Aortic area, on held expiration, with radiation to the carotids (as a bruit) if severe.

Aortic Regurgitation: Early diastolic murmur (Decrescendo)

Heard loudest at Lower Left Sternal border with patient leaning forward on held expiration. So, as we’ve covered the basics of the Aortic murmurs, apply the same to identification of the Mitral murmurs!