A heart murmur is a sound that your doctor hears when they listen to your heart with a stethoscope. This sound happens because blood is moving in a way that makes noise. Not all heart murmurs are harmful. Some are normal and do not cause any problems. Others may show that there is an issue with the heart. This article explains what causes heart murmurs, the symptoms to watch for, how they are treated, and when you should be concerned.

Keep reading to learn more…

What Is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound (blowing, whooshing, or rasping) heard during a heartbeat. In a healthy heart, blood flows smoothly through the chambers and valves. If the blood flow becomes uneven or faster than normal, it can create a sound. This sound is what doctors call a murmur. Doctors listen to these sounds during routine check-ups to decide if more tests are needed. Many heart murmurs are harmless and do not affect the heart’s work.

Causes of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs can be divided into two types: innocent murmurs and abnormal murmurs.

Innocent Murmurs

Innocent murmurs occur when blood flows quickly through a normal heart. They may be heard when a person has a fever, has been exercising, or is pregnant. These murmurs are common in children and usually go away on their own. Innocent murmurs do not cause any harm and do not need treatment.

Abnormal Murmurs

Abnormal murmurs may signal a problem with the heart. Some causes of abnormal murmurs include:

Valve Problems: The heart has valves that open and close to control blood flow. If a valve is leaky or narrowed, it can change the flow of blood. Conditions like mitral valve prolapse or aortic stenosis are examples of this.
Birth Defects: Some people are born with heart problems that change how blood flows. Examples include holes in the heart called septal defects.
Infections: An infection in the heart, known as endocarditis, can damage the valves and lead to a murmur.
Heart Muscle Issues: Problems with the heart muscle, called cardiomyopathy, can also cause changes in blood flow.
Anemia: When there are not enough red blood cells, the heart may pump faster to carry oxygen. This extra effort can create a murmur.

It is important to find out what is causing a heart murmur to decide if any treatment is needed.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Heart Murmur?

Many people with heart murmurs do not have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually due to the condition that is causing the murmur, not the murmur itself. Some symptoms to watch for are:

Shortness of Breath: You may have trouble breathing if your heart is not pumping well.
Chest Pain: Some heart problems can cause pain or discomfort in the chest.
Fatigue: You might feel tired or weak if your heart is struggling to work efficiently.
Irregular Heartbeat: Sometimes you may feel that your heart is beating too fast or skipping beats.
Swelling: Fluid buildup in the legs, ankles, or feet can happen if the heart is not working well.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor.

How Heart Murmurs Are Diagnosed

Doctors first hear heart murmurs with a stethoscope during a physical exam. If a murmur is heard, your doctor may suggest further tests to learn more about your heart. Some of these tests include:

Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. It shows the heart’s chambers, valves, and the flow of blood.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. This helps to check if the heart is beating normally.
Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show the size of the heart and if there are any issues with the lungs.
Cardiac Catheterization: In some cases, a small tube is inserted into a blood vessel to measure pressures inside the heart. This test is used when more details about the heart’s function are needed.

These tests help the doctor decide if the murmur is harmless or if it needs treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for heart murmurs depends on their cause. If a murmur is innocent, no treatment is needed. Your doctor may simply keep an eye on your heart with regular check-ups.

If the murmur is caused by a heart problem, treatment options may include:

Medications: Drugs may be used to control symptoms such as high blood pressure or heart failure. Antibiotics may be given if there is an infection like endocarditis.
Lifestyle Changes: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help keep your heart strong.
Surgery or Procedures: In some cases, if a heart valve or a congenital defect is the problem, a doctor may recommend surgery or a special procedure to fix the issue.
Regular Monitoring: Follow-up visits and tests help your doctor check that your heart stays healthy.

When to Worry and When Not To

Most heart murmurs, especially innocent ones, are not dangerous. However, you should be alert in these cases:

New or Worsening Symptoms: If you start to experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor.
Change in the Murmur: If you or your doctor notice that the sound of the murmur has changed, it may be a sign that the condition is getting worse.
Family History: If heart disease runs in your family, it is wise to be more careful.
Other Health Problems: Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can add stress to your heart and may cause issues with a murmur.

If you have a known innocent murmur and do not have any symptoms, there is usually no need for concern. Regular check-ups are enough to monitor your condition.