In grading heart murmurs, what does grade II indicate?

Grade II murmurs are characterized as audible but soft. This classification indicates that the murmur can be heard clearly with a stethoscope but is not loud enough to be easily distinguished without careful attention. Specifically, a grade II murmur might require a quiet environment to be appreciated fully and is usually described as faint, yet discernible. This classification helps clinicians assess the severity and potential implications of the murmur, guiding further evaluation or management.

Higher grades, such as grade III and above, suggest increased loudness or may indicate other significant cardiac findings, but grade II remains at a level where it is important to monitor while considering other clinical signs and symptoms. Understanding this scale is vital for proper cardiovascular assessment in patients.