How is the sound of aortic regurgitation described?

The sound of aortic regurgitation is characterized as a high-pitched, blowing diastolic murmur. This sound occurs due to the backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle when the heart is in diastole. The term "decrescendo" refers to the gradual decrease in intensity of the murmur, which typically starts at a higher pitch and intensity and tapers off.

In aortic regurgitation, the backflow creates turbulence in the blood, which is perceived as this distinct blowing sound. The murmur is best heard along the left sternal border, and its high-pitched quality can often be accentuated by having the patient lean forward during auscultation.

Understanding this characteristic is vital for nursing practice, as it aids in the identification of potential pathologies associated with heart failure and allows for timely medical intervention.