Thrill

Thrill is a term used in medicine to describe a vibratory sensation felt on the skin overlying an area of turbulence and indicates a loud heart murmur usually due to an abnormal heart valve. It is similar to the vibration felt over a cat's purring or a machine running.

Causes

Thrills are caused by severe turbulence of blood flow in the heart from heart conditions such as congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. They can also be caused by vascular conditions such as aortic dissections and carotid artery stenosis.

Diagnosis

Thrills are diagnosed by a healthcare provider during a physical examination. The provider will place their hand on the patient's chest to feel for the vibration. If a thrill is felt, further diagnostic tests such as an echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, or MRI may be ordered to determine the cause.

Treatment

The treatment of a thrill depends on the underlying cause. If the thrill is due to a heart valve defect, treatment may include medications, valve repair surgery, or valve replacement surgery. If the thrill is due to a vascular condition, treatment may include medications, angioplasty, or vascular surgery.

See also

• Heart murmur
• Heart valve
• Cardiac examination

Thrill Resources
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