What physical examination finding is associated with aortic regurgitation?

Aortic regurgitation is primarily characterized by a diastolic murmur. This condition occurs when the aortic valve does not close properly during diastole, allowing blood to flow back from the aorta into the left ventricle. The diastolic murmur is typically best heard along the left sternal border and can often be described as a high-pitched, blowing sound.

In the context of aortic regurgitation, the diastolic murmur is a critical finding that reflects the volume overload of the left ventricle caused by this backflow of blood. As the left ventricle dilates to accommodate the increased volume, signs of heart failure may develop, and the characteristic diastolic murmur serves as an essential diagnostic clue for clinicians assessing the status of the heart valves and ventricular function.

Other types of murmurs, such as systolic murmurs, are common in various cardiac conditions but do not specifically indicate aortic regurgitation. Continuous murmurs are typically associated with conditions like patent ductus arteriosus and do not characterize aortic regurgitation. The high-pitched characteristic is a feature of the diastolic murmur, but it is the timing and context of the murmur that distinctly