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WHAT IS IT?
A mitral regurgitation murmur is a fairly self descriptive medical term. It is a heart murmur caused by the regurgitation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium (through the mitral valve).
WHAT CASUES IT?
This heart murmur can be caused by:
- A past myocardial infarction:
- Rheumatic fever
- Infective endocarditis
- Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
- Dilation of the left ventricle
FEATURES OF AUSCULTATION
Where to listen: this murmur is typically heard best at the apex of the heart, and can radiate toward the axilla.
When to listen: this is a holosystolic murmur and can be best appreciated during systole (BEGINS after S1 and ENDS before S2)
What to listen for: typically this murmur is described as a holosystolic, high pitched “blowing murmur”.
IMPACT OF BEDSIDE MANEUVERS ON THIS MURMUR
Various bedside movements can be performed that can help inform what type of murmur is present. The following maneuvers will have the listed effects on an aortic stenosis murmur:
- Hand grip will cause the intensity of the murmur to INCREASE
- Rapid squatting will cause the murmur intensity to INCREASE
Page Updated: 02.18.2017