aortic causes

Last reviewed 09/2021

Left ventricular ejection murmurs are maximal at the aortic area, lower left sternal edge and apex. Possible causes include:

  • aortic stenosis (valvar, subvalvar, supravalvar)
  • hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
  • increased stroke volume e.g. ASD
  • aortic cusp sclerosis
  • bicuspid aortic valve with no obstruction
  • coarctation of the aorta - a coarctation murmur, when heard anteriorly, can be confused with an ejection murmur
  • post-valvar dilation eg aortic aneurysm, hypertension

An ejection systolic murmur may occur in aortic regurgitation due to increased blood flow.