What is a characteristic murmur associated with aortic stenosis?

Aortic stenosis is characterized by a specific type of murmur that arises due to the obstructed outflow of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta during systole. The correct characteristic murmur associated with aortic stenosis is a crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur. This murmur typically begins softly, increases in intensity to a peak, and then decreases in intensity before the heart sound concludes.

The crescendo-decrescendo pattern is a result of the dynamics of blood flow through the narrowed aortic valve during systole, where the turbulent flow produces identifiable sound characteristics. This type of murmur can often be heard best at the right second intercostal space, and it may radiate to the carotids. The timing of this murmur is crucial; it occurs between the first heart sound (S1) and the second heart sound (S2), thus categorizing it as a systolic murmur.

Understanding the nature of this murmur is important for clinicians as it aids in the diagnosis of aortic stenosis early in the disease process and helps in guiding further management.