What is a heart murmur?

 A heart murmur is a term that often causes concern and anxiety because it is often associated with heart problems. However, not all heart murmurs indicate a serious problem. In fact, heart murmurs can be quite common and often benign. This article aims to shed light on what a heart murmur is, its types, causes, symptoms and when to seek medical attention.

Understanding heart murmurs

A heart murmur is basically an abnormal sound that can be heard during a heartbeat. It occurs when blood flows through the heart and blood vessels, creating a turbulent or abnormal noise. These sounds are usually detected with a stethoscope during a routine physical examination and are classified into two main categories: innocent (or benign) and abnormal heart murmurs.

Innocent heart murmurs

Innocent heart murmurs, also known as functional or physiological murmurs, are quite common in both children and adults. These murmurs often occur as a result of normal blood flow patterns in the heart. Innocent heart murmurs usually do not indicate any underlying heart problems and are usually harmless. They may come and go and often require no medical intervention.

Abnormal heart murmurs

Abnormal heart murmurs, on the other hand, are typically associated with structural heart abnormalities. These murmurs can be caused by conditions such as heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, infections, or various other heart-related problems. Abnormal heart murmurs can indicate a more serious heart condition and often require further investigation and treatment.

Causes of heart murmurs

Heart murmurs can have a variety of causes, including:

Valve disorders: Heart valve disorders, such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, can disrupt normal blood flow and lead to heart murmurs.

Congenital heart defects: Some individuals are born with structural abnormalities in the heart that can cause murmurs.

Fever and infection: Infections such as endocarditis can affect the heart valves and create heart murmurs.

Rheumatic fever: A rare complication of streptococcal infections can damage heart valves and cause murmurs.

Anemia: Low levels of red blood cells can cause turbulent blood flow and murmurs.

Pregnancy: Increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to a temporary murmur.

Symptoms of a heart murmur

Innocent heart murmurs usually do not cause symptoms. However, abnormal heart murmurs can be accompanied by symptoms that include:

Chest pain or discomfort

Stuffiness

Fatigue

Dizziness or fainting

Swelling of the legs, ankles or feet

Cyanosis (bluish skin, lips or nails)

When to seek medical attention

If you or your healthcare provider suspect an abnormal heart murmur, or if you experience any of the associated symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as echocardiograms, chest X-rays, or electrocardiograms, to determine the cause and severity of the murmur.

Treatment for heart murmurs varies depending on their cause and severity. Innocent heart murmurs often require no treatment and may resolve on their own. Abnormal heart murmurs may require medication, lifestyle changes, or even surgery in more severe cases.

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound during a heartbeat caused by turbulent blood flow in the heart. Although they can be cause for concern, not all heart murmurs indicate a serious problem. Innocent heart murmurs are usually harmless and common in both children and adults. Abnormal heart murmurs can signal underlying heart problems and require medical evaluation and treatment. If you suspect that you have a heart murmur or have any associated symptoms, it is essential that you consult a healthcare professional to determine the correct diagnosis and appropriate management guidelines for your condition.