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What is the single most important feature of a murmur that you must determine? Why?
The most important feature to determine is whether the murmur is systolic or diastolic. The reason is simple: All diastolic murmurs are indicative of organic heart disease. While systolic murmurs may be caused by organic heart disease, many are benign, representing innocent murmurs or flow murmurs.
What is the most important feature of a systolic murmur?
You should determine whether the systolic murmur is a midsystolic (systolic ejection) murmur, or whether it is a holosystolic (pansystolic) murmur. The reason is that all holosystolic murmurs are caused by organic heart disease, whereas systolic ejection murmurs may or may not be caused by cardiac disease. A third category of systolic murmur is the late systolic murmur. (see diagram at right.)
How do you know whether a systolic murmur is pansystolic?
First, determine whether the murmur extends through the second sound or whether it...