Table 1 Characteristics of some common murmurs
Murmur type | Location | Timing | Pitch | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mitral stenosis (MS) | Apex | Diastolic | Low | Rumbling |
Mitral regurgitation (MR) | Apex | Systolic | High | Blowing |
Aortic stenosis (AS) | Apex/right upper sternal border | Systolic | High | Harsh |
Aortic regurgitation (AR) | Right upper sternal border/left third/fourth intercostal space (ICS) | Diastolic | High | Blowing |
Tricuspid stenosis (TS) | Lower right and left sternal borders | Diastolic | High | Rumbling |
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) | Left fourth ICS | Diastolic | High | Blowing |
Pulmonary stenosis (PS) | Left second ICS | Systolic | High | Blowing |
Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) | Second/third ICS | Diastolic | High | Blowing |
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) | Apex | Mid-late systolic | High | Blowing |
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) | Left lower sternal border | Systolic | High | Harsh |
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) | Left upper sternal border | Continuous | High | Harsh |
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) | Left lower sternal border | Mid-late systolic | High | Harsh |