Guide To Heart Murmurs: Aortic Regurgitation Murmur (Aortic Insufficiency Murmur)

 WHAT IS IT?

An aortic regurgitation murmur (aortic insufficiency murmur) is a fairly self descriptive term. It is a murmur caused by the reflux of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle (observed in patients with aortic regurgitation). 

Source
WHAT CAUSES IT?

This heart murmur can be caused by:

FEATURES OF AUSCULTATION

Where to listen: this murmur is typically heard best at the left sternal border. 

Classically the left sternal border is where an aortic regurgitation murmur is heard best (source)

When to listen: this is a diastolic murmur and can be best appreciated during diastole (ENDS after S1 and BEGINS before S2)

What to listen for: typically this murmur is described as a high-pitched “blowing” early diastolic decrescendo murmur. 

Source
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 murmur intensity to INCREASE
  • Valslava will cause the murmur intensity to DECREASE 

 

Page Updated: 02.19.2017