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Review Article Volume 19 Issue 1
Bedside cardiac auscultation in modern clinical practice: implications for non-cardiologists
Ahmed Şefik Begoğlu, Abdullah Sarıhan, Macit Kalçık, Mehmet Mustafa Yılmaz, Osman Karaarslan, Mucahit Yetim, Muhammet Cihat Çelik, Lütfü Bekar, Yusuf Karavelioğlu
Received: February 06, 2026 | Published: March 12, 2026
Citation: Begoğlu AS, Sarihan A, Kalçik M, et al. Bedside cardiac auscultation in modern clinical practice: implications for non-cardiologists. J Cardiol Curr Res. 2026;19(1):26-32. DOI: 10.15406/jccr.2026.19.00639
Abstract
Cardiac auscultation remains a fundamental component of cardiovascular examination despite increasing reliance on advanced imaging techniques. For non-cardiologist physicians, proficiency in recognizing heart sounds and murmurs plays a critical role in early detection of structural heart disease, appropriate referral for echocardiography, and efficient use of healthcare resources. This narrative review summarizes the physiological basis of normal and abnormal heart sounds, the clinical interpretation of additional heart sounds, and a systematic approach to murmur evaluation. Key auscultatory features of common valvular disorders, including aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and aortic regurgitation, are discussed with emphasis on practical bedside recognition. Extra-cardiac acoustic phenomena and their diagnostic relevance are also reviewed. The indications for further diagnostic testing are outlined to assist clinicians in distinguishing low-risk findings from those requiring advanced imaging. In addition, contemporary strategies for improving auscultation skills, including simulation-based education and digital technologies, are examined. Emerging applications of electronic stethoscopes and artificial intelligence in clinical practice are briefly addressed. Strengthening auscultation competence among noncardiologists may enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce unnecessary investigations, and improve patient outcomes. This review highlights the continued clinical value of cardiac auscultation as a rapid, cost-effective screening tool in modern medicine.
Keywords: cardiac auscultation, heart murmurs, valvular heart disease, physical examination, medical education
©2026 Begoğlu, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.