A carotid bruit

is a vascular sound usually heard with a stethoscope over the carotid artery because of turbulent, non-laminar blood flow through a stenotic area. A carotid bruit may point to an underlying arterial occlusive pathology that can lead to stroke.

What does a bruit indicate?

Bruits are blowing vascular sounds resembling heart murmurs that are perceived over partially occluded blood vessels. When detected over the carotid arteries, a bruit may indicate an increased risk of stroke; when produced by the abdomen, it may indicate partial obstruction of the aorta or…

Why do you listen for bruits?

Bruits are vascular sounds resembling heart murmurs. Sometimes they're described as blowing sounds. The most frequent cause of abdominal bruits is occlusive arterial disease in the aortoiliac vessels. If bruits are present, you'll typically hear them over the aorta, renal arteries, iliac arteries, and femoral arteries.