The patient with a systolic murmur: severe aortic stenosis may be missed during cardiovascular examination

TY - JOUR

T1 - The patient with a systolic murmur: severe aortic stenosis may be missed during cardiovascular examination

AU - Das, P

AU - Pocock, C

AU - Chambers, J

PY - 2000

Y1 - 2000

N2 - Significant aortic stenosis is prevalent amongst elderly people. It may be subclinical, manifesting only as a murmur, but can still cause unexpected death with little warning after symptoms develop. Recent studies have highlighted the unreliability of the classical clinical signs of severe aortic stenosis, leading to concern that some patients may not be referred appropriately for echocardiography. Here, we review the evidence for the accuracy of each sign. We suggest that the assessment of the patient with a systolic murmur should be reappraised, and offer guidelines toward improving the recognition of aortic stenosis in the community.

AB - Significant aortic stenosis is prevalent amongst elderly people. It may be subclinical, manifesting only as a murmur, but can still cause unexpected death with little warning after symptoms develop. Recent studies have highlighted the unreliability of the classical clinical signs of severe aortic stenosis, leading to concern that some patients may not be referred appropriately for echocardiography. Here, we review the evidence for the accuracy of each sign. We suggest that the assessment of the patient with a systolic murmur should be reappraised, and offer guidelines toward improving the recognition of aortic stenosis in the community.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0033774539&partnerID=8YFLogxK

M3 - Editorial

VL - 93

SP - 685

EP - 688

JO - QJM

JF - QJM

IS - 10

ER -