Heart Murmur Mnemonics: Systolic vs. Diastolic

Systolic Murmur Mnemonic: "MR. PASS"

To recall common systolic murmurs, use the acronym MR PASS :

• M - Mitral
• R - Regurgitation
• P - Physiologic (functional systolic flow murmur)
• A - Aortic
• S - Stenosis
• S - Systolic

Bonus Tip: MR PASS wins the MVP award!

That’s because MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse) is another systolic murmur:

• M - Mitral
• V - Valve
• P - Prolapse

In addition to the MR PASS MVP mnemonic, it's helpful to know the four types of systolic murmurs, which are categorized based on their timing during systole:

• Early Systolic: Heard at the start of systole.
• Midsystolic: Occurs between the heartbeats' first and second sounds.
• Late Systolic: Heard just before the second heart sound.
• Holosystolic: Present throughout the entire systolic phase.

These categories help clinicians identify the underlying cardiac conditions that may be causing the murmur.

Diastolic Murmur Mnemonic: MS ARD

To remember diastolic murmurs, use MS ARD:

• M - Mitral
• S - Stenosis
• A - Aortic
• R - Regurgitation
• D - Diastolic

You can also use the mnemonic "Aunt Polly Makes Tea" to recall the 4 types of diastolic murmurs:

• A - Aortic regurgitation
• M - Mitral valve rumble
• P - Pulmonary regurgitation
• T - Tricuspid valve rumble

Heart Sounds Mnemonic: APE To Man

The mnemonic "APE To Man" is used to remember the key auscultation points on the chest to listen for heart sounds produced when the heart valves close.

• A: Aortic (right 2nd intercostal)
• P: Pulmonic (left 2nd intercostal)
• E: Erb's point (left 3rd intercostal, best for S2 sounds)
• T: Tricuspid (Lower left sternal border, 4th intercostal space)
• M: Mitral (Apex, left 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line)

Think of "APE To Man" as the path the stethoscope takes from top to bottom as you listen to the heart.