...

Systolic regurgitant murmurs

Regurgitant murmurs

• Usually begin before ventricular ejection and last until after ventricular ejection is complete and the second sound has occurred.
• Even when starting in mid to late systole (mitral prolapse), generally last beyond second heart sound.

Auditory features

• Last beyond onset of second sound.
• Blowing quality is characteristic of mild to moderate regurgitation.
• Murmur becomes harsher as regurgitation becomes more severe.
• Intensity is not augmented following a prolonged RR interval (post-PVC beat or atrial fibrillation).
• Usually loudest near apex or lower left sternal border.

Examples

• Mitral regurgitation
• Tricuspid regurgitation
• Ventricular septal defect.