Mild mitral stenosis murmurs can have increased intensity of S1, while the second heart sound is normal and unsplit. Systole is silent. In this recording, an opening snap occurs 100 milliseconds into diastole. As mitral stenosis becomes more severe, the opening snap will occur earlier in diastole. A diamond-shaped, low-frequency murmur follows the opening snap.
Auscultate using the stethoscope bell.
The first heart sound intensity is increased because of the mild thickening of the mitral valve leaflets. Mild mitral stenosis is commonly due to rheumatic heart disease.
In the cardiac animation, observe the turbulent blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. Also, notice the minimally thickened mitral valve leaflets and the minimally enlarged left atrium.
Listen
The patient's position is supine left side down.
