A bruit is an abnormal sound or murmur produced by turbulent blood flow in the arteries, which can often be heard with a stethoscope during a physical examination. It typically has a characteristic whooshing or swishing noise and is commonly assessed in various anatomical locations, such as the carotid arteries in the neck, the abdominal aorta, or renal arteries. The presence of a bruit can indicate underlying vascular conditions, such as the narrowing of an artery (stenosis), which may be caused by atherosclerosis, leading to increased blood flow velocity. Additionally, bruits can suggest the presence of arteriovenous fistulas, aneurysms, or other vascular anomalies. While a bruit itself is not a definitive diagnosis, it serves as an important clinical sign that may prompt further evaluation through imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to assess the vascular system's integrity and identify potential complications.

A bruit is an abnormal sound, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise, that is heard over a blood vessel during auscultation with a stethoscope. It is typically produced by turbulent blood flow within the vessel, which can occur due to various conditions, such as arterial narrowing, vascular obstruction, or increased blood flow. The presence of a bruit can indicate several underlying health issues, including atherosclerosis (the buildup of fats and cholesterol in artery walls), aneurysms (abnormal bulging of blood vessels), or arterovenous fistulas (abnormal connections between arteries and veins). In a clinical setting, detecting a bruit can prompt further investigation into vascular health and potentially guide the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases.