thrill
A palpable vibration on the chest wall caused by turbulent blood flow, typically from severe valve disease or shunt.
Full Definition
A cardiac thrill is a tactile sensation of vibration felt during physical examination, representing the palpable equivalent of a cardiac murmur. Thrills occur when turbulent blood flow creates vibrations strong enough to be felt through the chest wall, typically indicating severe valvular disease, septal defects, or arteriovenous connections. The location, timing (systolic or diastolic), and intensity of thrills provide important diagnostic clues about underlying cardiac pathology. Thrills are graded similarly to murmurs and often correlate with hemodynamically significant lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Always describe location, timing, and associated findings when documenting cardiac thrills.
In Context
- "A systolic thrill was palpated at the right upper sternal border, consistent with severe aortic stenosis." — cardiology examination note
- "The presence of a thrill suggested hemodynamically significant valvular disease requiring further evaluation." — physical examination findings