From the Guidelines
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by a holosystolic murmur that is best heard at the cardiac apex. This type of murmur is generated when there is flow between chambers that have widely different pressures throughout systole, such as the left ventricle and either the left atrium or right ventricle 1. The murmur begins with S1 and continues throughout systole until S2, maintaining a consistent intensity throughout, and typically has a blowing or regurgitant quality. Key characteristics of this murmur include:
- Beginning with S1 and continuing throughout systole until S2
- Maintaining a consistent intensity throughout
- Having a blowing or regurgitant quality
- Being best heard at the cardiac apex (left fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line) with radiation to the axilla
- Being graded on a scale of I-VI, with the intensity generally correlating with the severity of regurgitation, though this correlation is not perfect 1. Associated findings may include an enlarged and displaced apical impulse and, in severe cases, a third heart sound (S3) due to volume overload of the left ventricle. The murmur's characteristics help differentiate it from other systolic murmurs like aortic stenosis (crescendo-decrescendo) or mitral valve prolapse (late systolic) 1.
From the Research
Mitral Regurgitation Murmur
- The type of murmur associated with mitral regurgitation is a pansystolic murmur [(2] is not relevant to this topic)
Characteristics of the Murmur
- The murmur is typically heard at the apex and radiates to the axilla
- It is a high-pitched, blowing murmur that occurs throughout systole
Clinical Significance
- The presence and characteristics of the murmur can provide important clues to the diagnosis and severity of mitral regurgitation
- However, [(2] does not provide information on this topic, as it discusses the metabolism and DNA binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.