A pansystolic murmur is a type of heart murmur that occurs throughout the entire systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. This means the murmur is heard during the time when the heart is contracting and pumping blood out to the body.
Understanding Pansystolic Murmurs
Pansystolic murmurs are often associated with heart valve disorders, specifically mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation. These conditions occur when the valves responsible for controlling blood flow between the heart chambers do not close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the previous chamber.
Causes of Pansystolic Murmurs
- Mitral Regurgitation: This occurs when the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, does not close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the left atrium.
- Tricuspid Regurgitation: This occurs when the tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and right ventricle, does not close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the right atrium.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): This is a hole in the septum, the wall separating the left and right ventricles. Blood flows from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, creating a murmur.
Characteristics of Pansystolic Murmurs
- Timing: Heard throughout the entire systole, from the first heart sound (S1) to the second heart sound (S2).
- Loudness: Can range from very faint to very loud.
- Location: Typically heard best at the apex of the heart (mitral regurgitation) or at the lower left sternal border (tricuspid regurgitation).
Importance of Pansystolic Murmurs
Pansystolic murmurs can indicate a serious heart condition. If you have a pansystolic murmur, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
