Quick Recall For Systolic Murmurs: Your Go-To Mnemonic Guide

Dr. Cleora Ondricka 14 Aug 2025

Feeling a bit swamped by all the heart sounds you need to learn? You are not alone, you know. Many healthcare learners find it a real challenge to tell the different heart murmurs apart. Knowing which sound belongs to which heart problem makes a big difference in caring for people. This guide offers a simple way to keep systolic murmurs straight in your mind.

Learning about heart sounds, especially murmurs, can feel like a big puzzle. There are many types, and each one has its own special sound and timing. Getting these right helps you figure out what might be happening inside someone's heart. It truly helps with making good decisions for patient care.

This article shares a helpful memory trick, a mnemonic, for systolic murmurs. It makes remembering these sounds much easier. We will explore what a mnemonic is and how this particular one can support your learning. So, let's get started on making heart sounds a little less puzzling, apparently.

What Exactly is a Mnemonic?

Why Use Mnemonics for Heart Sounds?

Understanding Systolic Murmurs

The Basics of Heart Sounds
What Makes a Murmur Systolic?

Your Key Mnemonic for Systolic Murmurs

Explaining the Parts of the Mnemonic
How to Apply This Mnemonic in Practice

Common Systolic Murmurs and What They Mean

Aortic Stenosis (AS)
Pulmonic Stenosis (PS)
Mitral Regurgitation (MR)
Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

Tips for Practicing Auscultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Systolic Murmurs
Bringing It All Together

What Exactly is a Mnemonic?

A mnemonic is a special tool to help you remember things. It can be a word, a short poem, or even a picture. The idea is to make difficult information stick in your mind. My text tells us a mnemonic is "assisting or intended to assist memory." It's a memory aid, really.

These memory aids help when you have lots of facts to recall. You can use them for names, number sequences, or, in our case, medical information. My text says, "Mnemonic devices are useful learning aids when memorizing large amounts of information." They work by creating simple connections, so.

Mnemonics come from "Mnemosyne," the Greek goddess of memory. They are also called "memoria technica." My text mentions, "Mnemonics are memory aids or strategies designed to help people remember information more easily and effectively." They make remembering information much simpler, usually.

Why Use Mnemonics for Heart Sounds?

Heart sounds can be tricky. There are many types, and they happen at specific times in the heart cycle. A good mnemonic helps you sort them out. It provides a quick mental hook for recall, which is quite useful.

When you are in a clinical setting, quick thinking matters. You need to identify sounds fast. A mnemonic lets you access that information without delay. It is like having a little cheat sheet in your head, you know.

For students, mnemonics can lower stress during exams. They provide a reliable way to remember complex details. This helps build confidence in your knowledge. So, they really do make a difference, actually.

Understanding Systolic Murmurs

Before we get to the memory trick, let's make sure we understand systolic murmurs. The heart makes two main sounds, "lub" and "dub." These are called S1 and S2. Systolic murmurs happen between these two sounds, more or less.

The heart has four chambers and four valves. Blood flows through these chambers and valves in a specific way. Problems with valve opening or closing can cause extra sounds. These extra sounds are what we call murmurs, in a way.

Listening to heart sounds is called auscultation. It is a key skill for healthcare providers. Using a stethoscope, you listen for normal sounds and any unusual ones. This helps you figure out a person's heart health.

The Basics of Heart Sounds

The first heart sound, S1, is the "lub." It happens when the mitral and tricuspid valves close. This marks the start of systole, when the heart squeezes blood out. It's the beginning of the heart's work phase, really.

The second heart sound, S2, is the "dub." It happens when the aortic and pulmonic valves close. This marks the end of systole and the start of diastole. Diastole is when the heart relaxes and fills with blood, basically.

So, S1 is the sound of the ventricles starting to pump. S2 is the sound of them finishing that pump. These two sounds create the basic rhythm of the heart. Any extra sounds between them are important, you know.

What Makes a Murmur Systolic?

A systolic murmur happens during systole. This means it occurs between S1 and S2. If you hear a whooshing sound right after the "lub" and before the "dub," that is a systolic murmur. It's all about the timing, apparently.

These murmurs usually mean there is a problem with blood flow. Blood might be flowing through a narrowed valve, which is called stenosis. Or, blood might be leaking backward through a valve that should be closed, which is called regurgitation. Both can make a sound, you see.

Identifying a systolic murmur is the first step. The next step is figuring out which specific valve or problem is causing it. That is where our mnemonic comes in handy. It helps you remember the common causes, so.

Your Key Mnemonic for Systolic Murmurs

Here is a simple mnemonic to help you recall the most common systolic murmurs: **"MR. PEYTON MANNING AS MVP"**

This phrase is easy to remember, especially if you know a bit about football. Each part stands for a specific type of systolic murmur. It helps you list them out quickly. So, let's break it down, shall we.

Using a phrase like this connects new information to something familiar. This makes it easier for your brain to hold onto the facts. It is a classic example of how mnemonics work, more or less.

Explaining the Parts of the Mnemonic

Let's look at what each part of "MR. PEYTON MANNING AS MVP" means:

**MR:** Stands for **M**itral **R**egurgitation.
**PEYTON:** Stands for **P**ulmonic **S**tenosis (we use 'Peyton' for the 'P' sound).
**MANNING:** Stands for **M**itral **V**alve **P**rolapse (we use 'Manning' for the 'M' sound).
**AS:** Stands for **A**ortic **S**tenosis.
**MVP:** Stands for **M**itral **V**alve **P**rolapse (this is a common one, so it gets two mentions for emphasis).

Some people also like to include **VSD** for Ventricular Septal Defect. You could adapt the mnemonic to "MR. PEYTON MANNING AS MVP, VSD Too!" if you like. This just shows how flexible mnemonics can be, in a way.

The key is that each letter or sound triggers the name of a murmur. This helps you recall the list quickly. You can say it to yourself during an exam or when listening to a patient. It really helps with quick recall, you know.

How to Apply This Mnemonic in Practice

When you are listening to a heart, first identify S1 and S2. Figure out if the murmur happens between them. If it does, you have a systolic murmur. This is your starting point, basically.

Once you know it is systolic, then you can think of "MR. PEYTON MANNING AS MVP." This mental list helps you consider the possibilities. You can then try to identify other features of the murmur. This includes its location, loudness, and how it sounds, you see.

For example, if you hear a systolic murmur, you might ask yourself: Could this be Mitral Regurgitation? Or Aortic Stenosis? The mnemonic guides your thinking. It helps you systematically go through the common causes, so.

Practice saying the mnemonic often. Connect it in your mind to the "lub-dub-whoosh-dub" sound. The more you use it, the more natural it will become. It's a simple habit that brings big rewards, apparently.

Common Systolic Murmurs and What They Mean

Let's look a little closer at each of the murmurs in our mnemonic. Knowing a bit about each one helps you understand why it makes a sound. This deeper knowledge makes the mnemonic even more powerful, you know.

Aortic Stenosis (AS)

Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve is narrowed. This valve is between the left ventricle and the aorta. When it is narrowed, blood struggles to get out of the heart. This creates a harsh, crescendo-decrescendo murmur, which is quite distinct.

This murmur is often heard best at the upper right side of the chest. It might even spread up to the neck. People with aortic stenosis might feel chest pain or faint. It is a serious condition, so.

The "AS" in our mnemonic reminds you of this important murmur. It is one of the most common causes of a systolic murmur. Remembering its location and sound helps confirm your suspicion, you see.

Pulmonic Stenosis (PS)

Pulmonic stenosis means the pulmonic valve is narrowed. This valve is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. Blood struggles to get to the lungs. This also creates a crescendo-decrescendo murmur, more or less.

You often hear this murmur best at the upper left side of the chest. It might get louder when a person breathes in. This is a key feature that helps tell it apart. The "P" in "PEYTON" helps you remember this, basically.

Pulmonic stenosis can be present from birth. It can cause tiredness or shortness of breath. Knowing the mnemonic helps you recall this possibility. It is an important one to consider, you know.

Mitral Regurgitation (MR)

Mitral regurgitation means the mitral valve does not close fully. This valve is between the left atrium and the left ventricle. When the ventricle squeezes, blood leaks backward into the atrium. This causes a blowing, holosystolic murmur, which is quite steady.

This murmur is typically heard best at the apex of the heart, near the armpit. It usually stays the same loudness throughout systole. The "MR" in our mnemonic is a direct reminder of this condition. It is a very common type of murmur, apparently.

People with mitral regurgitation might feel short of breath or tired. The backward flow of blood puts extra strain on the heart. Recognizing this murmur quickly can help with early treatment, so.

Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR)

Tricuspid regurgitation is when the tricuspid valve does not close fully. This valve is between the right atrium and the right ventricle. Blood leaks backward into the right atrium during systole. This also creates a holosystolic murmur, similar to MR, you know.

You often hear this murmur best at the lower left side of the breastbone. It usually gets louder when a person breathes in, just like pulmonic stenosis. This breathing change is a good clue. This is why some people add "TR" to their extended mnemonic, in a way.

Tricuspid regurgitation can lead to swelling in the legs and abdomen. It is often linked to other heart problems. Knowing this murmur helps with a full assessment. It is important to listen for, you see.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A ventricular septal defect is a hole in the wall between the heart's two lower chambers. Blood flows from the left ventricle to the right ventricle during systole. This creates a loud, harsh, holosystolic murmur. It is a very distinct sound, really.

This murmur is often heard best at the lower left side of the breastbone. It can be very loud, even if the hole is small. The "VSD" addition to our mnemonic is very helpful here. It reminds you of a structural heart issue, you know.

VSDs can be present from birth. They can cause poor growth or frequent lung infections in children. Recognizing this murmur is very important for diagnosis. It is a key part of pediatric heart care, so.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

Mitral valve prolapse means the mitral valve leaflets bulge backward into the left atrium. This happens during systole. It often causes a mid-systolic click, followed by a late systolic murmur. This is a bit different from other murmurs, you see.

You usually hear this best at the apex of the heart. The click sound is quite unique. The "MVP" in our mnemonic helps you remember both the condition and its unique sound. It's a common finding, apparently.

Many people with MVP have no symptoms. Some might feel chest pain or palpitations. Understanding this murmur helps avoid unnecessary worry. It is good to know its characteristics, you know.

Tips for Practicing Auscultation

Learning heart sounds takes practice. Listen to as many hearts as you can. Use online resources that have recordings of different murmurs. This helps train your ear, so.

Focus on one sound at a time. Try to identify S1 and S2 first. Then, listen for anything between them. This systematic approach helps you stay organized. It makes the process less overwhelming, you know.

Do not be afraid to ask for help from experienced clinicians. They can guide your listening. Every person's heart sounds a little different. Practice makes you better at picking up subtle cues, you see.

Remember that mnemonics are just tools. They help you remember the facts. But truly understanding the heart's function is also important. Combine your memory aids with solid knowledge, more or less.

Keep your stethoscope in good condition. A clear sound helps you hear better. A quiet room is also very important for good auscultation. Try to reduce background noise as much as possible, you know.

You can find many resources online for heart sound practice. Websites like 3M Littmann's Heart & Lung Sounds offer examples. This kind of practice can really sharpen your skills, you see.

Remember to link what you hear to what you see in the patient. Are they short of breath? Do they have swelling? These clues help you put the pieces together. It's all part of making a good assessment, you know.

Learn more about cardiac auscultation on our site, and link to this page for more memory tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Systolic Murmurs

What's the easiest way to tell a systolic murmur from a diastolic one?

The easiest way is by timing it with the heart sounds. A systolic murmur happens between the "lub" (S1) and the "dub" (S2). A diastolic murmur happens after the "dub" (S2) and before the next "lub" (S1). You can also feel the pulse; if the murmur happens with the pulse, it is systolic, you know.

Do all systolic murmurs mean there is a serious heart problem?

No, not all systolic murmurs mean a serious problem. Some are "innocent" or "physiologic" murmurs. These are common in children or during pregnancy. They do not mean there is heart disease. Still, any new murmur should be checked out by a doctor, just to be safe, you see.

How loud do systolic murmurs get?

Murmurs are graded on a scale of 1 to 6. Grade 1 is very faint and hard to hear. Grade 6 is very loud and can be heard even without a stethoscope touching the chest. The loudness does not always mean how serious the problem is. A very soft murmur can still be important, you know.

Bringing It All Together

Remembering systolic murmurs can feel like a lot to learn. But with a good mnemonic like "MR. PEYTON MANNING AS MVP," it becomes much more manageable. This tool helps you quickly recall the main types. It is a simple way to keep important information ready in your mind, you see.

Using memory aids frees up your mental energy. You can then focus on other parts of patient care. Keep practicing your listening skills. Combine your memory tricks with hands-on experience. This will make you a more confident healthcare provider, you know.

The field of medicine always asks us to learn new things. Having good ways to remember facts makes that learning easier. So, keep using your mnemonics, and keep building your skills. You are doing great work, apparently.

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