[The systolic heart murmur]

Abstract

The abnormality most often found at physical examination of the heart is a systolic murmur. Aortic valve stenosis is a feared cause of systolic murmurs, which is also well evaluated with respect to the predictive value of physical diagnostic findings. Auscultatory characteristics of the murmur and palpatory findings of the carotid arteries show an acceptable predictive value and can be used by the general practitioner in the referral or reassurance of individuals with a systolic murmur. The different forms of the systolic murmur can be heard on the Internet address of this journal (http:@appendix.niwi. knaw.nl).