Heart murmurs are one of those terms you’ve likely heard but may not fully understand. For many, hearing they have a murmur can cause concern or confusion. Murmurs are pretty common and don’t always indicate a serious problem. This article will explain what they are, why they develop, how they’re diagnosed, and why consulting with a specialist is key for maintaining heart health.
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. While a normal heartbeat typically makes a “lub-dub” sound, a murmur may sound like a whooshing or swishing noise. This additional sound occurs when blood flows more turbulently than usual through the heart or nearby blood vessels.
Not all murmurs are harmful. Some are deemed “innocent” murmurs, meaning they have no underlying heart condition or health implications. Innocent murmurs are common in children and often disappear as the child grows. On the other hand, a “pathological” murmur may signal an underlying issue requiring further investigation. Whether innocent or pathological, it’s necessary to understand that a heart murmur is not a condition but rather a symptom or indicator that may warrant further evaluation.
What Causes a Murmur to Develop?
Heart murmurs can occur for a variety of reasons. Some are benign, while others point to more serious cardiovascular conditions. Below are the main causes:
Innocent Causes
- Faster Blood Flow: Situations like pregnancy, fever, or physical activity can increase blood flow, causing temporary murmurs.
- Growth in Children: Some children’s hearts produce murmurs as they grow, which often resolve naturally.
Pathological Causes
- Heart Valve Abnormalities: The heart has four valves that regulate blood flow. If a valve doesn’t open or close properly, turbulent blood flow can create a murmur. Conditions like valve stenosis (narrowing of a valve) or valve regurgitation (leaking of blood) are common culprits.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural issues of the heart present at birth, such as holes in the heart (e.g., atrial or ventricular septal defects), can cause murmurs.
- Other Medical Conditions:
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart lining)
- Rheumatic Fever (a complication from untreated strep throat)
- Anemia or Hyperthyroidism, as these conditions can affect blood flow and cause murmurs.
Understanding the cause of a murmur is significant in determining whether treatment is necessary.
How Are Murmurs Diagnosed Today?
Advancements in medical technology have made diagnosing heart murmurs efficient and accurate. Here’s what you can expect:
- Physical Examination: A doctor typically detects murmurs during a routine check-up using a stethoscope. The specific characteristics of the murmur (e.g., pitch, loudness, and timing within the heartbeat) can provide valuable clues about its cause.
- Echocardiogram: This is the most common diagnostic tool used to evaluate heart murmurs. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images, enabling doctors to identify structural abnormalities and assess the heart’s function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the heart’s electrical activity and can detect abnormalities, such as an irregular heartbeat, that may accompany murmurs.
- Chest X-Rays: Sometimes, a chest X-ray is used to check the size and shape of the heart and any signs of fluid buildup.
- Stress Test or Cardiac MRI: For more complex cases, further tests like stress tests or cardiac MRIs may be needed to provide a more comprehensive view of the heart’s performance.
Early diagnosis through these methods helps identify underlying issues and treat them before they worsen.
Consult a Cardiovascular Specialist
While not all heart murmurs are cause for concern, it’s key to pay attention to them. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with a murmur or have symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath, consult a cardiovascular specialist. A specialist can perform detailed evaluations to determine the cause of the murmur and recommend any necessary treatments. Schedule a consultation with your local cardiovascular expert today.
