What Does Heart Valve Disease Sound Like?
By Adam Pick on February 21, 2010
One of the primary exams used to detect heart valve disease involves the stethoscope.
While this diagnostic device, invented by Rene Laennec in 1816, is not as technologically advanced as 3D-MTEE imaging, stethoscopes can help cardiologists and surgeons quickly identify variable forms of heart valve disease.
The two most common forms of heart valve disorders are aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. That said, have you ever wondered what stenosis and regurgitation sound like through a stethoscope?
When I was diagnosed with severe heart valve disease, I was curious. So, I located three audio files, posted by Dr. Solanki, which contain the sounds of hearts beating with (i) normal heart valves, (ii) aortic valve stenosis and (iii) mitral valve regurgitation. If you are interested, I have provided these audio clips below.
First, here is the sound of a normal heartbeat. You can hear the traditional “lub-dub” as the four heart valves open and close.
Next, here is the sound of a heart with aortic stenosis.
Finally, here is the sound of heart with mitral valve regurgitation.
I hope this helps you better understand the different sounds of hearts with normal valves and diseased heart valves – especially aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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RON PEARSON says on February 21st, 2010 at 4:54 pm |
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Following an aortic valve replacement (in late September) plus two “episodes” in the hospital, insertion of a pacemaker and defibrillator, eighteen days in the hospital I came home in pain free shape. Following three nights in a recliner and a couple of weeks of home health PT and progress checks by a nurse I was ready for cardiac rehab. The staff at Palmetto Heart Health (Columbia, SC) have been unbelievably helpful and caring. I have eight sessions left before they kick me out. I have met some great people in rehab, enjoyed the professional abilities of the staff, learned a lot in classes about ongoing heart health and I am ready to get back to the golf course and on with my life. If a person has access to rehab (even if not covered by insurance) he/she would be crazy not to participate. |
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Robert Baker says on February 21st, 2010 at 5:17 pm |
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Wow, what a difference. I wonder what it sounds like after a valve replacement and do different valves, bovine and different manufactured valves sound different? |
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Julia says on February 22nd, 2010 at 8:38 am |
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Robert, yes!! My husband has a mechanical mitral valve and his beating heart has a click to it now. It’s kinda like a regular heart beat but when the valve closes, there is a distinct clicking noise. |
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Rita says on February 22nd, 2010 at 7:04 pm |
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WOW very good – I too have an artifical bovine and would love to hear the differences after valve replacement. I have to say Adam, the information you bring us is always so incredibly educating. |
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Cecilia says on February 26th, 2010 at 5:22 pm |
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I am so glad that you posted the different sounds of the heartbeat: normal,with aortic stenosis and mitral valve reguritation. I had aortic stenosis and regurgitation and was wondering just how different they sounded. Keep up the great work. Cecilia |
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Javier says on May 11th, 2014 at 12:16 pm |
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I am sorry for my comment but poor quality and the mitral stenosis murmur is missing |
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