Final answer:
A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound due to turbulent blood flow, graded on a scale of 1 to 6. Asymptomatic murmurs may require a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for thorough evaluation. Phonocardiograms or auscultograms record heart sounds to aid in murmur detection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term murmur refers to an unusual heart sound heard during a heartbeat, often described by healthcare professionals as whooshing or swishing. This sound results from turbulent blood flow within the heart and can be an indication of various heart conditions, ranging from innocent murmurs to those signaling heart defects or valve abnormalities. Murmurs are classified using a grading system that ranges from 1 to 6, where a grade 1 murmur is the most subtle and may not always be a cause for concern, while a grade 6 murmur is very loud and can be heard without a stethoscope, often indicating a more serious condition.
When a murmur is detected, particularly if it is asymptomatic, a Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) evaluation is often recommended to further assess the heart's structure and function. A TTE is a non-invasive echo test that provides detailed images of the heart, its chambers, valves, and the blood flow through them. Phonocardiograms or auscultograms are tools that use specialized electronic stethoscopes to record both normal and abnormal heart sounds, helping in the detection and understanding of murmurs.