A heart murmur is an abnormal sound in the heartbeat that can indicate various underlying issues, from harmless conditions to more serious heart problems. This blog explains the different causes of heart murmurs, such as heart valve issues or congenital defects, and highlights the potential symptoms and treatments. It discusses the importance of diagnosing heart murmurs early, especially when linked to heart failure or valve damage. Additionally, it covers the specific concerns for newborns and adults experiencing murmurs, with advice on when to seek medical attention.
A heart murmur is a sound that doctors hear when listening to your heart with a stethoscope. It is not a disease, but it can be a sign of an issue with your heart. Most people don’t know about heart murmurs until they have a doctor listen to their heart and notice this unusual sound. Let’s explore what heart murmurs are, their causes, symptoms, and concerns, as well as treatments.
What is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound made by blood flow through the heart. Instead of the normal “lub-dub” sound of the heartbeats, a murmur might sound like a whooshing or swishing noise. These sounds can be heard when blood flows through the heart and blood vessels, especially if the blood is flowing abnormally.
Heart murmurs can happen when there is a problem with the heart valves. These valves help control the flow of blood through the heart, ensuring it flows in the right direction. If the heart valves don’t work properly, the blood might flow in the wrong direction or not move smoothly, causing a murmur.
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Causes of Heart Murmurs
Heart murmurs can happen for many reasons. Some are harmless, while others could be a sign of something serious. Here are some common causes:
- Congenital Heart Problems
Some children are born with heart defects that cause murmurs. These problems might affect how the heart valves work or how blood flows through the heart. - Heart Valve Issues
When heart valves do not work well, it can cause a heart murmur. This might happen if the valves are too narrow, leaky, or stiff. - Infections
Infections such as endocarditis, which affect the heart’s inner lining, can cause murmurs. These infections can damage the heart valves. - Anemia
When a person has low red blood cells, called anemia, it can cause the blood to flow more quickly, leading to a murmur. - Hyperthyroidism
This is a condition where the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, and it can increase heart rate, causing murmurs.
Heart Murmur Symptoms
Most heart murmurs don’t cause any symptoms. In fact, many people with heart murmurs may not even know they have one. However, in some cases, the following heart murmur symptoms may occur:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Tiredness or feeling weak
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen
- Frequent cough, especially when lying down
These symptoms may not be directly caused by the murmur, but they could suggest a more serious heart condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Heart Murmur in Newborns
In newborns, heart murmur in newborn babies is fairly common and doesn’t always mean there is something wrong with the heart. It’s often called an innocent or functional murmur. This type of murmur happens because of the way blood flows through the baby’s heart while they are still developing. Most of the time, it disappears after a few weeks or months.
However, some murmurs in newborns can be due to congenital heart problems. Parents should make sure to get a full checkup for their baby to ensure everything is healthy.
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Warning Signs of Heart Failure
In some cases, a heart murmur can be linked to heart failure diagnosis. This means that the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently, and it can’t supply enough oxygen and nutrients to the body. Warning signs of heart failure to watch out for include:
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
If you or someone you know has a heart murmur and experiences any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away.
Symptoms of Heart Failure
Symptoms of heart failure can appear slowly or suddenly, depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common signs are:
- Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down
- Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
- Lack of appetite or nausea
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor for a thorough heart failure diagnosis. The doctor may check for heart murmurs as part of their assessment.
Heart Murmur Treatments
The treatment for a heart murmur depends on what is causing it. If the murmur is innocent (not related to a heart problem), no treatment is usually needed. However, if it is caused by a heart valve problem, infection, or another condition, treatment might be necessary.
Here are some common heart murmur treatments:
- Medications
Medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, or blood thinners may be prescribed if the heart murmur is due to heart valve issues or heart failure. - Surgery
In severe cases, surgery might be needed to repair or replace a damaged heart valve. - Antibiotics
If the heart murmur is caused by an infection, antibiotics might be prescribed to treat the infection. - Lifestyle Changes
In some cases, lifestyle changes such as a low-salt diet, exercising, or quitting smoking can help manage the symptoms of heart murmurs related to heart failure. - Monitoring
If the murmur is harmless, doctors may simply monitor it over time to ensure that it doesn’t cause any problems.
Heart Valves and Their Role in Heart Murmurs
The heart valves play a crucial role in the heart’s function. They open and close to allow blood to flow in the right direction through the heart and prevent backflow. There are four heart valves:
- Aortic valve
- Mitral valve
- Pulmonary valve
- Tricuspid valve
If any of these valves are damaged or don’t work properly, blood flow can be disrupted, leading to a heart murmur. Heart valve problems can range from minor to life-threatening, so it’s important to have regular checkups with your doctor if you have a murmur.
A word from the Doctor —
Heart murmurs are extra sounds that can be heard when the heart beats. They can be harmless or a sign of a serious heart condition. If you experience any heart murmur symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Early detection and treatment of any underlying heart conditions can help improve overall heart health.
Whether you’re dealing with a heart murmur in a newborn or an adult with heart murmur treatments to follow, understanding the causes and concerns surrounding heart murmurs is key to maintaining a healthy heart.
So, get started by contacting us right away.