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Heart murmurs are a common cardiovascular condition, characterized by an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. This sound is caused by turbulent blood flow within or near the heart. Heart murmurs are detected with a stethoscope during a physical exam. While many murmurs are harmless, others may signal serious heart problems. If you have been told you have a heart murmur, here are seven important things you should know.
Not all heart murmurs are dangerous
Heart murmurs are fairly common, and not all of them are harmful. In fact, many people have what is known as an "innocent" or benign heart murmur. These murmurs are often detected in children or young adults and usually do not indicate any heart issues. For example, pregnant women may develop harmless murmurs due to increased blood volume, and athletes might experience murmurs because their hearts pump blood more forcefully.
However, if you have been diagnosed with a heart murmur and are unsure of its cause, it’s important to consult a cardiologist. Some murmurs can indicate more serious issues, such as infections of the heart valves, which may require medical treatment or even valve replacement.
Symptoms of heart murmurs
The symptoms of heart murmurs vary depending on the underlying cause. If you have an innocent heart murmur, you might not experience any symptoms at all. However, if a murmur is linked to a more serious heart condition, you may notice symptoms such as:
Blue-tinged skin (cyanosis)
Rapid or unexplained weight gain
Enlarged liver
Chest pain
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Excessive sweating
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor for further evaluation.
Heart murmurs can be a sign of heart valve disease
In some cases, heart murmurs may indicate the presence of heart valve disease. The symptoms of valve-related murmurs tend to develop slowly and worsen over time. They may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, and even fainting episodes. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t dismiss them, even if they seem mild. It’s crucial to discuss any unusual symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine if you need further testing or treatment.
Age and genetics play a role in heart murmurs
Age can be a significant factor in the development of heart murmurs. As people get older, calcium deposits can build up on the aortic valve, causing it to stiffen. This condition, known as valve calcification, can lead to murmurs and may require valve replacement if severe.
Genetics can also contribute to heart murmurs. For instance, around 2% of babies are born with a condition where their aortic valve has only two cusps instead of the usual three. This congenital defect, called a bicuspid aortic valve, can disrupt normal blood flow and produce a murmur.
Birth defects can lead to heart murmurs
Heart murmurs can be detected in newborns and infants due to congenital heart defects. During routine check-ups, a pediatrician might hear a murmur when listening to the baby's heart. In such cases, an echocardiogram, a special type of ultrasound, may be performed to assess the heart's structure and function. Congenital heart defects are often difficult to detect before birth, so some conditions may only be identified after the baby is born.
Diagnosis often involves listening and imaging tests
Doctors typically first detect heart murmurs during a physical examination by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. However, simply listening is not always enough to determine the cause or severity of the murmur. To get a better understanding, your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram. This non-invasive ultrasound test provides detailed images of your heart valves and blood flow, helping to identify any structural abnormalities or issues causing the murmur.
Treatment depends on the type of heart murmur
Treatment for heart murmurs depends on the underlying cause. Innocent murmurs usually do not require any treatment and may go away on their own. However, if the murmur is related to a heart valve issue or another medical condition, treatment may be necessary. Options can include medications such as antibiotics (to prevent infections), diuretics (to reduce fluid buildup), blood thinners, and beta-blockers.
In more severe cases, surgical procedures might be needed. For instance, if a heart valve is significantly damaged, valve repair or replacement surgery may be required. In children born with congenital heart defects, regular monitoring by a pediatric cardiologist is often recommended.
