Heart murmurs are unusual sounds during your heartbeat cycle — such as whooshing or swishing — made by turbulent blood in or near your heart. While many murmurs are harmless, others may indicate an underlying heart condition. This blog aims to simplify what heart murmurs are, their causes, types, and when you should seek medical advice.
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is not a disease itself but a sound that your doctor can hear with a stethoscope. It is produced when blood flows faster or in a more turbulent way than usual.
Key Characteristics:
- Heard during a routine check-up
- Can occur during different phases of the heartbeat
- Often classified as systolic or diastolic murmurs
- Sometimes accompanied by no symptoms at all
Types of Heart Murmurs
Innocent (Benign) Murmurs
These are common in children and some adults and usually do not indicate any heart problem.
- Often found in healthy hearts
- May come and go
- Require no treatment or restrictions
Abnormal Murmurs
These can be a sign of a heart problem such as a valve issue or congenital heart disease.
- Usually caused by structural heart issues
- May require tests and treatment
- Often seen in older adults or those with underlying conditions
Common Causes of Heart Murmurs
Innocent Murmurs:
- Physical activity or fever
- Pregnancy
- Rapid growth in children
- Anemia or hyperthyroidism
Abnormal Murmurs:
- Valve diseases: like aortic stenosis or mitral valve prolapse
- Congenital heart defects: present at birth
- Endocarditis: infection of the heart lining
- Rheumatic fever: a complication of untreated strep throat
Explore Heart Palpitations: When to Worry and What They Mean to learn about related conditions.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
A murmur without symptoms may be harmless, but if any of the following occur, it could signal a more serious issue:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Swelling in ankles or feet
- Blue tinge to the skin or lips (cyanosis)
- Dizziness or fainting
Read 10 Early Signs of Heart Problems You Should Never Ignore to understand critical warning signs.
How Are Heart Murmurs Diagnosed?
If your doctor hears a murmur, they may recommend further testing to evaluate your heart structure and function.
Diagnostic Tools:
- Echocardiogram: ultrasound imaging to see heart valves and chambers
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): to detect rhythm problems
- Chest X-ray: to assess heart size and lungs
- Cardiac MRI or CT: in complex cases
- Cardiac catheterization: if valve disease is suspected
Explore more about diagnostic procedures in What Is a Cardiac Stress Test? Patient Guide & FAQs.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the murmur.
No Treatment Needed:
- Innocent murmurs
- Murmurs with no symptoms and normal tests
Medical Management:
- Medications to control symptoms or underlying conditions like high blood pressure or infections
- Monitoring with regular follow-up appointments
Surgical Options:
- Valve repair or replacement in cases of severe valve disease
- Correction of congenital defects if present
Find out more in Pacemakers: What They Do and Who Needs One, especially if murmur causes arrhythmia.
Who’s at Risk for Abnormal Murmurs?
Certain groups have a higher chance of having problematic murmurs.
- Infants with congenital heart defects
- People with a history of rheumatic fever
- Adults with valve disease
- Elderly individuals
- Those with autoimmune diseases or infections like endocarditis
Can Lifestyle Changes Help?
While you can’t prevent all causes of heart murmurs, healthy habits reduce the risk of complications.
Heart-Healthy Tips:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fibre and low in saturated fat
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Manage diabetes effectively
Refer to Why Your Heart Needs Fibre: Best Indian Sources to Include for dietary guidance.
When Should You See a Cardiologist?
You should consult a cardiologist if:
- Your primary care doctor recommends it
- You experience symptoms like breathlessness or chest pain
- You have a known heart condition
- A murmur is new or has changed
FAQs About Heart Murmurs
Can stress cause heart murmurs?
No, but it may worsen symptoms if an underlying condition exists.
Are murmurs permanent?
Some are temporary, especially in children. Others may need lifelong monitoring.
Can murmurs go away on their own?
Yes, especially innocent ones linked to growth or illness recovery.
Are heart murmurs contagious?
No, murmurs are not infections.
Is surgery always needed for abnormal murmurs?
Not always. Many can be managed with medication and monitoring.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Heart Sounds
Heart murmurs may sound alarming, but not all require concern or treatment. The key lies in accurate diagnosis and timely management. Knowing the difference between a harmless murmur and one linked to a deeper issue can help you make informed decisions.
Don’t ignore symptoms. Get regular check-ups and consult a cardiologist if you're unsure about any unusual heart sounds.
Authoritative External References:
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-murmurs
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-murmur
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/