Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard when listening to the heartbeat with a stethoscope. It is usually caused by turbulent blood flow across the heart valves or near the valves.

Types of Heart Murmurs

• Innocent heart murmurs: These are harmless and do not indicate any underlying heart condition. They are often found in healthy children and adults.
• Pathological heart murmurs: These are caused by an underlying heart condition, such as a valve problem or a hole in the heart.
• Functional heart murmurs: These are caused by a temporary condition, such as fever, anemia, or pregnancy.

Causes of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Valve problems, such as mitral regurgitation or aortic stenosis
• Holes in the heart, such as atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect
• Cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened or stiff
• Endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves
• Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated strep throat

Symptoms of Heart Murmurs

The symptoms of a heart murmur can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue or weakness
• Pale skin or blue discoloration of the skin
• Swollen legs, ankles, or feet

Diagnosis of Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is typically diagnosed using a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests, including:

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Chest X-ray: A test that uses radiation to create images of the heart and lungs.
• Cardiac catheterization: A procedure where a small tube is inserted into an artery in the leg and guided to the heart to measure blood pressure and take blood samples.

Treatment of Heart Murmurs

The treatment for a heart murmur depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:

• Medications: Such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics to control symptoms and slow disease progression.
• Surgery: To repair or replace a damaged heart valve or close a hole in the heart.
• Catheter-based procedures: Such as balloon valvuloplasty or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat valve problems.

Complications of Untreated Heart Murmurs

If left untreated, a heart murmur can lead to serious complications, including:

• Heart failure
• Arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms
• Endocarditis or infection of the heart valves
• Stroke or brain damage