Diastolic murmur

Diastolic murmur is a type of heart murmur that occurs during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. It is characterized by an abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope when the heart is at rest or filling with blood.

Causes

Diastolic murmurs are typically caused by conditions that affect the structure or function of the heart's valves. These can include aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, and tricuspid stenosis.

Aortic Regurgitation

Aortic regurgitation is a condition where the aortic valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak back into the left ventricle during diastole. This can lead to a diastolic murmur that is often described as a blowing sound.

Mitral Stenosis

Mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve, which can restrict blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This can result in a diastolic murmur that is often described as a rumbling sound.

Tricuspid Stenosis

Tricuspid stenosis is a narrowing of the tricuspid valve, which can restrict blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle. This can result in a diastolic murmur that is often described as a rumbling sound.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a diastolic murmur involves a physical examination, during which a doctor will listen to the heart with a stethoscope. Further diagnostic tests may include an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization.

Treatment

Treatment for a diastolic murmur depends on the underlying cause. This can include medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery to repair or replace the affected heart valve.

See Also

• Heart murmur
• Aortic regurgitation
• Mitral stenosis
• Tricuspid stenosis