Bruit:
Bruit is a sound that is heard through the stethoscope. This is one as part of the physical examination. Bruits are sounds that are heard in the neck caused due to turbulence in the flow of blood in the arteries. These sounds are heard in the neck from the artery that supplies blood from the heart to the brain. In most cases, bruit is caused due to stenosis (See: Stenosis) of the artery because of the buildup of plaque. Carotid artery bruits may also occur in people without any stenosis and this is called innocent carotid bruits. Often, called carotid bruit, bruits are confused with basal heart murmurs that are sounds, which are sounds originating from the heart. In the neck bruits are heard with more intensity than heart murmurs. There are other types of sounds called “bruits & thrills,” and “bruits & hums” that are heard in the arteries and veins when blood flows. Bruits are indicative of carotid artery disease. People with diabetes are more prone to have carotid artery disease due to hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, and high cholesterol. People with diabetes who exhibit cerebrovascular symptoms (generally above 60 yrs.) benefit from carotid ultrasound as this can assess the risk of carotid artery disease and stroke.
