ARTERIAL MURMUR Meaning and
Definition
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Arterial murmur refers to an abnormal sound that can be heard through a stethoscope over an artery in the body. This type of murmur occurs as a result of turbulent blood flow within the arteries, typically caused by various underlying conditions or structural abnormalities.
The sound of an arterial murmur can be described as a whooshing or blowing noise heard during the cardiac cycle. It is often detected during a physical examination when a healthcare provider listens to the arteries in the neck, specifically the carotid artery, or the arteries in the abdomen or legs.
There are several possible causes of arterial murmurs. One common cause is arterial stenosis, which is the narrowing of an artery, usually due to atherosclerosis or the formation of plaques within the arterial walls. Other causes include abnormal artery dilation (aneurysm), abnormal connections between arteries and veins (arteriovenous malformation), or congenital heart defects.
The significance of an arterial murmur depends on its characteristics and the underlying cause. Some murmurs may be innocent or harmless, while others may indicate a serious cardiovascular condition that requires further evaluation and treatment. Additional diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or angiography, may be needed to identify the exact cause and determine the appropriate management.
In summary, an arterial murmur is an abnormal sound heard over an artery, typically indicating turbulent blood flow due to various conditions affecting the arteries. Its significance and treatment depend on the specific underlying cause and the patient's clinical presentation.
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A m. heard on auscultating an artery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ARTERIAL MURMUR
- arterial murmu2
- arterial murmub
- arterial murmuz
- arterial murmuv
- arterial murmup
- arterial murmus
- a rterial murmur
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- arteri al murmur
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- arterial m urmur
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- arterial murmu r
Etymology of ARTERIAL MURMUR
The word "arterial" is derived from the Latin word "arteria", which means "a main channel or vessel". It ultimately traces back to the Greek word "artēria", meaning "windpipe" or "artery", referring to the function of carrying air or blood respectively.
The term "murmur" comes from the Latin word "murmurare", meaning "to murmur or roar", which itself has its roots in the ancient Greek word "murmur". In medicine, a "murmur" refers to an abnormal sound heard when blood flows through the heart or blood vessels.
Therefore, the term "arterial murmur" denotes an abnormal sound heard during blood flow within the arteries.
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