How Do You Spell OBSTRUCTIVE MURMUR?

1. An obstructive murmur is a distinctive sound heard during the auscultation of the heart, indicating a possible obstruction or narrowing of blood flow through the heart or major blood vessels. It is characterized by a turbulent or abnormal sound caused by the restriction of blood flow through the heart's valves or chambers.

   This type of murmur is usually indicative of an underlying cardiac condition, such as aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, or sub-aortic stenosis. These conditions involve the narrowing of the aortic or pulmonary valves, obstructing the flow of blood from the heart to various parts of the body. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed valve, generating the distinctive obstructive murmur.

   During auscultation, an obstructive murmur often presents as a harsh or high-pitched sound that can be heard between the S1 and S2 heart sounds. It is typically louder during systole (contraction phase of the heart) and can radiate to key areas of the chest, such as the neck or the back.

   Correctly identifying and diagnosing an obstructive murmur is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment for the underlying condition. Additional diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography or cardiac catheterization, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the obstruction. Treatment options range from medication management to surgical interventions, depending on the specific condition causing the obstructive murmur.

2. One caused by narrowing of one of the valvular orifices.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OBSTRUCTIVE MURMUR

The word "obstructive" derives from the Latin word "obstruere", which means "to obstruct" or "to block". It combines the prefix "ob-" meaning "against" or "in the way" with "struere" meaning "to build" or "to pile up".

The word "murmur" has its roots in the Middle English word "murmure", which originated from the Old French word "murmure" and the Latin word "murmurare". It refers to a soft sound or low, indistinct noise.

When combined, the term "obstructive murmur" describes a type of abnormal heart sound that occurs due to an obstruction in the blood flow through the heart, causing turbulence and producing a distinctive murmuring sound.