What is a murmur?

A murmur is characterized as an abnormal sound produced by the turbulent flow of blood within the heart or through the blood vessels, which often results from conditions like valvular stenosis (narrowing of the valve) or regurgitation (where the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward). This turbulence generates sounds that can be detected during a physical examination, typically using a stethoscope.

The presence of a murmur indicates that there may be an underlying issue with the heart valves or the blood flow, making it an important finding for healthcare professionals. Murmurs can vary in intensity, pitch, and duration, and they can be classified as either innocent (not due to any heart problems) or pathological (indicating a heart condition).

Understanding murmurs is crucial in cardiology and perfusion practice because they can lead to further diagnostic testing to evaluate heart structure and function, guiding appropriate management and treatment.