One of the primary exams used to detect heart valve disease involves the stethoscope.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The two most common forms of heart valve disorders are aortic stenosis<\/a> and mitral regurgitation<\/a>. That said, have you ever wondered what stenosis and regurgitation sound like through a stethoscope?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n First, here is the sound of a normal heartbeat. You can hear the traditional “lub-dub” as the four heart valves<\/a> open and close.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n