1. A murmur heard in the cervical area that does not disappear with venous compression, is maximal over the carotid bifurcation, and is not a result of transmitted cardiac murmurs.

Bruit refers to a medically significant sound heard inside the body; usually, with the aid of a stethoscope, and caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart or blood vessels.

The presence of asymptomatic carotid bruits increases when people get older, but it is not normally associated with increased risk for stroke in elderly patients.

2. A murmur heard over the carotid artery in the neck, suggesting arterial narrowing and usually occurring secondary to atherosclerosis.

A stroke could take place if the narrowing is severe and the condition is untreated.