thrill

medicine

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "thrill" in medicine refers to a vibratory sensation felt on the skin during a physical examination, typically over the chest wall. This sensation indicates a loud heart murmur, often caused by an incompetent heart valve. It is detected through palpation, a diagnostic technique where a healthcare provider uses their hands to feel the surface of the body to assess underlying organs and tissues. While "thrill" can also refer to intense pleasure or excitement in a general context, in a medical setting, it is a specific physical finding related to cardiovascular health.123

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diagnosis
Palpation
…can be suspected if a thrill is felt from light palpation over the chest wall. A thrill is a vibratory sensation felt on the skin overlying an area of turbulence and indicates a loud heart murmur usually caused by an incompetent heart valve.
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…can be suspected if a thrill is felt from light palpation over the chest wall. A thrill is a vibratory sensation felt on the skin overlying an area of turbulence and indicates a loud heart murmur usually caused by an incompetent heart valve.
Read More