What best describes a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is best described as the sound produced by turbulent blood flow across the heart valves, typically occurring when the valves do not close properly or when there are structural issues present in the heart. This abnormal sound can often be detected with a stethoscope during a physical examination.

Murmurs can arise from various conditions, including valve stenosis (narrowing), regurgitation (backward flow), or congenital heart defects. The sound of the murmur provides valuable information regarding the function of the heart valves and can help in diagnosing potential cardiovascular issues. Understanding this context helps in grasping why option B accurately captures the essence of a heart murmur.