LAPPING MURMUR Meaning and
Definition
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A lapping murmur refers to a specific type of sound produced by the heart during the closing of the mitral valve. This unique sound is characterized by a soft, rhythmic, and continuous noise, reminiscent of the gentle lapping of water against a shore. The term "lapping" is often used to describe the repetitive motion of waves touching a surface, and it serves as an appropriate descriptor for the soothing, repetitive nature of this murmuring sound.
A lapping murmur arises due to the abnormal blood flow patterns within the heart. Specifically, it occurs when blood regurgitates or leaks backward through the mitral valve during ventricular systole, which is the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle. This abnormal backward flow creates turbulent blood flow, resulting in the distinct lapping sound.
Medically, a lapping murmur is often associated with mitral valve regurgitation, a condition in which the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to leak back into the left atrium. As a consequence, the left ventricle has to work harder to compensate for this inefficiency. Consequently, a lapping murmur can be indicative of underlying heart conditions that require medical attention and investigation.
Clinicians utilize auscultation, the act of listening to internal body sounds using a stethoscope, to identify a lapping murmur. Upon detection, further diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography, may be employed to assess the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Treatment options for a lapping murmur typically depend on the underlying cause, and may include lifestyle modifications, medication, and in more severe cases, surgical interventions.
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A sound like that of a cat lapping milk, heard sometimes when there is a slit-like rupture of the aorta.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LAPPING MURMUR
- lapping murmwr
- lapping murmtr
- lapping murmu2
- lapping murmub
- lapping murmuz
- lapping murmuv
- lapping murmup
- lapping murmus
- lappinngmurmur
- lappiengmurmur
- l apping murmur
- lappi ng murmur
- lappin g murmur
- lapping m urmur
- lapping mu rmur
- lapping mur mur
- lapping murm ur
- lapping murmu r
Etymology of LAPPING MURMUR
The etymology of the phrase "lapping murmur" can be understood by breaking it down into its individual parts:
1. Lapping: The word "lapping" comes from the Middle English "lapen" or "lappen", which means "to wrap" or "to fold". It has roots in Old Norse and Dutch, ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "lapojaną".
2. Murmur: The term "murmur" originates from the Latin word "murmurare", meaning "to murmur" or "to roar". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "mor-", associated with sounds of indistinct voices or noises.
When combined, "lapping murmur" refers to a gentle, soothing sound resembling the soft, repetitive motion of water against a shore or some other surface.
