Organic murmur is a medical term referring to an abnormal heart sound caused by structural defects in the heart. The word "organic" in this context means that the sound is caused by a physical problem, rather than a functional one. The pronunciation of "organic murmur" is transcribed in IPA as /ɔrˈɡænɪk ˈmɜrmər/, with stress on the second syllable of "organic" and the first syllable of "murmur". The "r" sound is pronounced in both syllables, and the vowel sounds are pronounced with a short "o" in "organic" and a short "u" in "murmur".
Organic murmur is a medical term used to describe an abnormal sound heard during the examination of the heart using a stethoscope. It indicates the presence of a structural abnormality in the heart or its surrounding blood vessels, resulting in the generation of unusual sounds. These murmurs are different from functional or innocent murmurs, which have no underlying anatomical or physiological abnormalities.
An organic murmur typically arises due to conditions such as congenital heart defects, valvular abnormalities (such as valve stenosis, regurgitation, or prolapse), or abnormalities in the blood vessels (like coarctation of the aorta or patent ductus arteriosus). These structural issues disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart, causing turbulent blood flow that generates abnormal sounds. These murmurs can have distinctive qualities, such as a harsh or blowing sound, and may be heard at different locations on the chest, depending on the underlying pathology.
Diagnosing an organic murmur involves a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional, including careful auscultation with a stethoscope. Further diagnostic tests, such as echocardiography, electrocardiography, or cardiac catheterization, may be required for a comprehensive evaluation and to determine the exact cause and severity of the murmur. Treatment for an organic murmur depends on the underlying condition and can range from medication to surgical interventions, aimed at addressing the structural abnormality and improving the heart's function.
In summary, an organic murmur refers to an abnormal heart sound caused by structural abnormalities in the heart or its blood vessels, requiring medical evaluation and treatment.
A m. due to the presence of some lesion in the part auscultated.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "organic murmur" is composed of two key words: "organic" and "murmur".
1. Organic: The word "organic" originated from the Latin word "organicus", derived from the Greek word "organikos", meaning "of or pertaining to an organ". It was initially used to signify an instrument or tool used in scientific or medical research, specifically referring to bodily organs and their functions. Over time, the term broadened its meaning to encompass the concept of living organisms and natural substances.
2. Murmur: The term "murmur" originated from the Middle English word "murmure", which was borrowed from the Old French word "murmure" meaning "a sound, noise, or rumbling". It can be traced back to the Latin word "murmurare", which denotes "to murmur or whisper".