FOR APPs & PRIMARY CARE CLINICIANS
Murmurs & valve disease — Quick reference
First steps, urgent findings, referral guidance, and handoff essentials.
First steps
Assess functional change, HF symptoms, syncope, murmur, and the complete echo report. Compare with prior severity and ventricular response.
Recognize the urgent patient
Instability, pulmonary edema, concerning syncope, or suspected acute severe valve dysfunction needs urgent assessment.
When to refer
Significant valve disease or symptoms warrant cardiology/valve-team review, even if the patient has adapted to reduced activity.
What to send with the referral
Full echo and prior comparison; symptoms/activity change; exam; medications; prior valve procedures.
Avoid this pitfall
Medication may relieve consequences without correcting a mechanically severe valve lesion.
Reviewed October 11, 2026. This quick reference summarizes the linked guide; use the full guide for context and clinical references.