CA
A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: bruit?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alon Gitiganswered
Cardiology 21 years experience
A sound blood makes: Bruit refers to a sound, heard via a stethoscope, of blood when it flows through a narrowed opening. As blood flows through a narrow diameter within a vessel, the velocity of flow increases and also becomes more turbulent.
The importance of this sound is that, if your doctor hears it, it can signify underlying atherosclerosis--i.e. Build-up of plaque--narrowing an artery.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Otto Placikanswered
Surgery - Plastics 35 years experience
Constructed flow: A bruit is the sound blood makes when it passes through a narrowing not unlike a wind passing through a narrow canyon. Although it may occur nearly anywhere in the body, it is typically used to refer to a narrowing of the carotid or neck arteries and implies there may be a narrowing which may be predictive if an impending stroke. When it is accompanied by a vibration, we call it a thrill.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 12, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.