What is a Bruit? Understanding the Abnormal Sounds of Blood Flow

Bruit is a French word that means "noise" or "buzz". It can be used to describe any kind of noise or sound, but it is often used specifically to refer to the sound of blood flowing through blood vessels. This sound is called a bruit and can be heard with a stethoscope when listening to the heart or blood vessels.

In medical terms, a bruit is an abnormal sound that is heard during a physical examination. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as turbulent blood flow, narrowed or blocked blood vessels, or a leaky heart valve. Bruits are often used to help diagnose cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, or heart failure.

For example, a bruit may be heard in the neck when the blood vessels are examined with a stethoscope. This can indicate that the carotid arteries are narrowed or blocked, which can increase the risk of a stroke. Similarly, a bruit may be heard in the chest when the heart is examined, which can indicate that the heart valves are not functioning properly.

In summary, a bruit is an abnormal sound that is heard during a physical examination and can be used to help diagnose cardiovascular conditions.