Screening for Heart Murmurs

In brief In preparticipation screening, auscultation is a key component of a rapid but thorough cardiovascular exam. A systematic approach allows an examiner to identify the normal murmurs that occur among young athletes as well as the sounds that might signify underlying cardiac pathology. Keeping in mind the factors that influence murmur audibility helps ensure accurate differentiation between normal and pathologic murmurs. The goals are to identify athletes at risk for sudden death, to flag those who may need treatment for other cardiac conditions, and to allow athletes who have normal murmurs to remain active.