Heart Murmurs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Although they might sound alarming, heart murmurs are not necessarily a clue of a major illness.  Usually heard between heartbeats, these odd noises are picked up during regular visits.  While some murmurs are absolutely benign, others might point to underlying cardiac diseases.

This article will cover what a heart murmur is, what causes it, and when you should consult a doctor.  Knowing these specifics will enable you to feel more in charge of your cardiac condition.

What Is a Heart Murmur?

An additional sound produced when blood passes through the heart is called a cardiac murmur.  A murmur in the heart could provide a whooshing or swishing sound rather than the typical "lub-dub" beating.  A stethoscope allows doctors to pick out these noises.

 Heart murmurs range in strength.  Some are more obvious than others; some are so weak they are hardly discernible.  Though knowing their types will help you know what to expect, not all murmurs call for attention.

Types of Heart Murmurs

The main forms of cardiac murmurs are two:

• There are innocent murmurs; they do not call for treatment.  Because of their higher blood flow, they are quite prevalent in youngsters and expectant mothers.

• Abnormal Murmurs: These could point to congenital heart anomalies or structural cardiac issues including valve abnormalities. If a heart murmur seems unusual, your doctor may recommend additional tests to check your heart health.

Moreover, murmurs are classified according to their occurrence within the pulse cycle:

• When the heart contracts, a systolic murmur is produced.

• When the heart relaxes and fills with blood, a diastolic murmur is produced.  Often these call for medical care.

Causes of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs can have different causes, ranging from normal body changes to underlying health conditions. Common causes include:

Causes of Innocent Murmurs

• Increased blood flow due to physical activity

• Pregnancy

• High fever or anemia (temporary changes in circulation)

Causes of Abnormal Murmurs

• Leaky or narrow valves can cause aberrant blood flow.

•  Birth brings structural problems known as congenital heart defects.

•  Rheumatic fever is a previous illness possibly compromising the heart.

•  An infection invading the inner lining of the heart is called endocarditis.

•  A disorder weakening the heart muscle is called cardiomyopathy.

Should your doctor find a murmur, they might advise testing to ascertain if it is normal or pathological.

Heart Murmur Symptoms

Innocent murmurs usually do not cause symptoms and are often discovered during routine check-ups. However, abnormal murmurs can sometimes cause noticeable signs. Symptoms of a heart murmur to watch for include:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Dizziness or fainting

• Fatigue, even with mild activity

• Swelling in the ankles or feet

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.

Diagnosing Heart Murmurs

If a heart murmur is detected, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the cause. These may include:

• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and check for structural issues.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity.

• MRI or CT Scan: Provides detailed images of the heart for a more in-depth assessment.

The Importance of ECG Monitoring at Home

Monitoring heart health at home might be rather important for those diagnosed with a heart murmur in early identification and continuous treatment.  Devices for portable ECG monitoring, such as those provided by OMRON, let consumers track in real time the electrical activity of their heart.  These devices give important information for individuals and healthcare professionals as they help detect irregular beats and changes in heart function.  Frequent home ECG monitoring helps to improve peace of mind and control of heart health.

Treatment Options for Heart Murmurs

The treatment for heart murmurs depends on their cause:

• Innocent murmurs require no treatment. Your doctor may recommend regular check-ups to monitor heart health.

• Abnormal murmurs may require medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery. 

Common treatments include:

• Medications to manage blood pressure or heart rhythm

• Procedures to repair or replace damaged heart valves

• Lifestyle changes to support overall heart health

Living with a Heart Murmur

Many people with heart murmurs live normal, healthy lives. If you have a murmur, some steps can help maintain good heart health:

• Eat a balanced diet low in saturated fats

• Engage in regular physical activity (as recommended by your doctor)

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your heart’s condition

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare expert if you have been diagnosed with a heart murmur or suffer symptoms including dyspnea, chest discomfort, or dizziness. Early assessment helps guarantee suitable and timely treatment.

Knowing cardiac murmurs and their probable consequences will enable you to be active in maintaining the condition of your heart.  See a doctor if you have questions to enable you to be reassured and provide instructions fit for your specific need.

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