A continuous murmur is characterized by which of the following?

A continuous murmur is characterized by being present throughout both systole and diastole. This type of murmur reflects an uninterrupted flow of blood, typically due to a hemodynamic abnormality such as a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or arteriovenous fistula. In contrast, murmurs that occur only during systole are due to conditions like aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, while those present only during diastole might indicate mitral stenosis or tricuspid regurgitation. Continuous murmurs are significant because they can suggest an underlying cardiovascular issue that necessitates thorough evaluation and potential intervention.