What does a murmur refer to in cardiac assessment?

A murmur refers to an abnormal heart sound that is detected during a cardiac assessment. It is created by turbulent blood flow within the heart, which may occur due to various conditions such as valve abnormalities or structural heart defects. Murmurs can be classified as either innocent (benign) or pathological, depending on their cause and associated symptoms.

Identifying a murmur is important because it can provide valuable insights into a patient's cardiovascular health, guiding further diagnostic evaluation and management. While a rapid heart rate, a type of heartbeat, and a normal heart rhythm are all relevant aspects of cardiac function, they do not pertain specifically to the unique sound or assessment associated with murmurs.