heart murmurs

Heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent blood flow and can be classified as systolic, diastolic, or continuous based on their timing relative to the cardiac cycle, with further characterization by their specific timing within these phases helping identify the underlying pathology. Understanding the distinction between physiologic murmurs, which are exclusively systolic, non-radiating, and occur without a palpable thrill in hyperdynamic states, versus pathologic murmurs is essential for clinical assessment. Medical students must master bedside maneuvers such as inspiration, Valsalva, squatting, and handgrip because these interventions alter preload and afterload in predictable ways that help differentiate between conditions like aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, and valvular prolapse.