❤️ Heart Sounds Made Simple: Locations, Mnemonics, and Murmur Differentiation
You don’t need a stethoscope to ace cardiac auscultation—just a solid understanding of where to listen, what you're hearing, and when in the cardiac cycle it matters. Today we’ll decode the major heart sounds, help you locate systolic vs diastolic murmurs, and anchor your memory with easy mnemonics and KOTC visuals.
🫀 The 5 Classic Auscultation Points
| Location | Valve Area | Intercostal Space | Clinical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right 2nd ICS, sternal edge | Aortic | 2RICS | Aortic stenosis → systolic murmur |
| Left 2nd ICS, sternal edge | Pulmonic | 2LICS | Pulmonary HTN → loud P2 |
| Left 3rd ICS | Erb’s Point | 3LICS | Aortic regurg → diastolic murmur |
| Left 4th ICS, sternal edge | Tricuspid | 4LICS | Tricuspid regurg → holosystolic |
| Left 5th ICS, midclavicular line | Mitral (Apex) | 5LICS-MCL | Mitral regurg → holosystolic murmur |
🧠 Use “APT M(E)” as a mnemonic: Aortic, Pulmonic, Tricuspid, Mitral (Erb’s in the middle).
🔊 Systolic vs. Diastolic Mnemonic:
| Murmur Type | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Mnemonics | MR = Mitral Regurg, PASS = Pulmonary/Aortic Stenosis | AR = Aortic Regurg, MS = Mitral Stenosis |
MR. PASS = Systolic murmurs
ARMS = Diastolic murmurs
✔️ Helpful for NBME/USMLE “Audio Clip” murmur questions.
👂 Recognizing Murmur Timing
| Sound | Best Heard In | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| S1 (“lub”) | Apex (mitral/tricuspid) | Start of systole |
| S2 (“dub”) | Base (aortic/pulmonic) | Start of diastole |
| Split S2 | Pulmonic area | Physiologic during inspiration |
| S3 (Kentucky) | Apex, with bell | CHF, high preload |
| S4 (Tennessee) | Apex, with bell | LVH, stiff ventricle |
🧠 KOTC Tools to Master Cardiac Auscultation
Audio-enhanced KOTC flashcards with murmur timing
“Auscultation Map” visual with valve overlays
QOTD vignettes matching heart sounds to disease
Gamified “Name That Murmur” mode with real audio
🎯 Call-to-Action (CTA)
Use KOTC’s auscultation visuals, quizzes, and audio-enhanced resources to lock in cardiac findings for exams and real patients.
👉 Get started now
✅ Conclusion
Mastering heart sounds isn't about memorizing—it’s about connecting sound, location, and timing. With KOTC’s integrated tools, you’ll confidently identify murmurs whether you're in a classroom or on rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.
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Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.
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Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.
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KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.
