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.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kurt L. Pflieger

Dr Pflieger is a fellow and Dr Strong is chief of the Section of Pediatric Cardiology at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. They are both fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Dr Strong is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

William B. Strong

Dr Pflieger is a fellow and Dr Strong is chief of the Section of Pediatric Cardiology at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. They are both fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Dr Strong is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.