What is a murmur in the context of heart function?

A murmur in the context of heart function refers to a sound produced by turbulent blood flow within the heart, often related to congenital heart defects or abnormalities in the heart valves. Murmurs are considered atypical heart sounds and are usually detected during a physical examination with a stethoscope. They can indicate a variety of physiological or pathological changes in the heart, such as leaking or narrowing of heart valves, which may lead to abnormal blood flow patterns.

These sounds can be classified as innocent or pathological, where innocent murmurs are harmless and often seen in healthy individuals, especially children. Pathological murmurs indicate underlying issues that may need further investigation, such as valve stenosis or regurgitation. Detecting a murmur prompts healthcare professionals to assess the patient's heart function in greater detail to determine if any intervention is necessary.

The other options do not accurately describe a murmur; normal heart sounds are distinct from murmurs, heart rhythms refer to the rate and pattern of the heartbeat, and blood pressure measurements do not involve sounds created by turbulent blood flow.