A heart murmur at the left sternal border suggests which valve is affected?

A heart murmur detected at the left sternal border is commonly associated with the tricuspid valve. This area of the chest is where sounds from the right side of the heart, particularly the tricuspid valve, are best auscultated. Murmurs in this region can arise from tricuspid regurgitation or other tricuspid valve abnormalities, leading to turbulent blood flow that can be heard through a stethoscope.

Understanding heart murmurs is crucial for proper diagnosis and management, as they can indicate underlying pathology such as valve stenosis or regurgitation. It's important to identify the specific location and timing of the murmur, as these details can direct healthcare professionals toward potential heart conditions that may require evaluation or intervention.