The basic indispensable evaluation of the patient with suspected valvular disease remains the cardiovascular history and physical examination.
Echocardiography is extremely useful, however, in assessing the patient with a murmur.
In the evaluation of heart murmurs, an echocardiogram is used to Define the primary lesion, its etiology, and estimated severity. Define the hemodynamics. Detect coexisting abnormalities. Detect lesions secondary to the primary lesion. Evaluate cardiac size and function.