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What is Heart Murmur?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr G Ravi Kiran , Cardiologist
A heart murmur is an unusual sound, often described as a whoosh or swish, heard during a heartbeat when blood flows through the heart or its valves in an abnormal way. These sounds are typically detected using a stethoscope during a physical exam.
Not all heart murmurs are harmful. In many healthy individuals, especially children, murmurs can occur without any underlying heart issue; these are called innocent murmurs.
However, some murmurs may indicate valve disorders or structural heart problems and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.
Are there Different Types of Heart Murmurs?
Yes, there are different types of heart murmurs based on when they occur in the heartbeat:
- Systolic murmur: This happens when the heart muscle contracts to pump blood out.
- Diastolic murmur: Occurs when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.
- Continuous murmur: Heard throughout the entire heartbeat, both when the heart contracts and relaxes.
Diastolic and continuous murmurs are more likely to be linked to heart problems. A doctor should check all murmurs to know if they are harmless or need treatment.
What are the symptoms and Warning signs of a heart murmur?
Most heart murmurs don't cause symptoms, especially if they are innocent. But if a murmur is due to an underlying heart problem, you may notice warning signs like:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Feeling tired or weak, especially with activity
- Swelling in the legs, feet, or belly
- Bluish skin or lips (especially in babies)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting or dizziness
- Poor weight gain in infants
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Heart Murmurs?
Heart murmurs can occur for many reasons; some are harmless, while others may signal a heart problem. Understanding the causes and risk factors helps determine whether a murmur needs medical attention.
Causes of Heart Murmurs
- Innocent Murmurs (not caused by heart disease):
- Physical activity or exercise
- Fever
- Pregnancy
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Rapid growth in children or teens
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Abnormal Murmurs (linked to heart problems):
- Valve issues, such as:
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Aortic or mitral stenosis (narrowing)
- Valve regurgitation (leakage)
- Congenital heart defects (problems present at birth)
- Heart wall defects, like holes (e.g., atrial or ventricular septal defects)
- Infections, such as:
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart lining)
- Rheumatic fever (can damage heart valves)
Risk Factors
- Family history of heart defects or valve disease
- Medical conditions like high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases
- Past infections (especially untreated strep throat)
- Older age increases the risk of valve wear and tear.
- History of chest radiation or certain medications
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionHow are Heart Murmurs Diagnosed?
Heart murmurs are often found during a check-up when a doctor hears an unusual sound. Some are harmless, but others may require further testing to rule out heart problems.
Common Diagnostic Tests for Heart Murmurs
- Stethoscope Exam: The first step, where the murmur's timing, pitch, and location are assessed.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that helps visualize valve movement blood flow, and detect structural problems.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart's electrical activity to check for rhythm issues.
- Chest X-ray: Helps identify heart enlargement or lung issues that might relate to the murmur.
- Cardiac MRI or CT Scan: Used in complex cases to get a detailed view of heart anatomy.
- Cardiac Catheterization: An Invasive test done when detailed valve and blood flow measurements are needed.
- Blood Tests: May be done to look for infections (e.g., endocarditis) or anemia contributing to a murmur.
Early evaluation and appropriate testing help differentiate between innocent murmurs and those caused by heart valve disease or congenital heart defects.
What Are the Treatment Options for Heart Murmurs?
Heart murmur treatment depends on the cause. Innocent murmurs need no treatment, while abnormal ones may require medicine, procedures, or surgery.
Treatment Options Include
- No Treatment (for Innocent Murmurs): These murmurs are harmless and don't require medical care. Regular monitoring during check-ups may be recommended.
- Medications (for valve or heart disease):
- Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors to manage blood pressure or heart function.
- Antibiotics should be used if an infection, such as endocarditis, is present.
- Diuretics are used to reduce fluid buildup caused by heart failure.
- Anticoagulants are used to prevent blood clots if valve disorders increase stroke risk.
- Surgical Procedures:
- Valve repair or replacement: For severely damaged or leaky valves.
- Septal defect closure: Surgery to correct holes in the heart.
- Minimally invasive heart surgery may be used in selected valve conditions.
- Catheter-Based Interventions:
- Balloon valvuloplasty: Used to widen narrowed valves in some patients, especially children.
When to See a Doctor for a Heart Murmur?
While many heart murmurs are harmless, it's essential not to ignore them, especially if symptoms appear or persist. Seeing a doctor at the right time ensures early detection of any underlying heart condition and helps prevent complications.
Consult a Doctor if You Experience
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or at rest
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent coughing, especially at night or when lying down
If these symptoms last more than a few days or worsen over time, a medical evaluation is strongly recommended.
High-Risk Groups Needing Prompt Evaluation
- Children with a new murmur or signs of poor growth or tiredness
- Adults with known valve problems or a history of rheumatic fever
- Older adults with heart failure or long-standing high blood pressure
- Individuals with a family history of congenital heart disease or valve disorders
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What is the Recovery Process After Heart Murmur Treatment?
Recovery after heart murmur treatment depends on the underlying cause and the type of treatment received. For innocent murmurs, no treatment or recovery is needed. However, if surgery or medication is required for an abnormal murmur, patients should expect a guided recovery process.
- Follow-Up Care:
- Regular cardiology check-ups are essential for monitoring heart valve function and detecting changes in heart rhythm.
- After valve surgery or other interventions, scheduled echocardiograms help track recovery and heart performance.
- Blood tests may be necessary to monitor medications, especially if you are taking blood thinners.
- Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations:
- Follow a heart-healthy diet (low in sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
- Limit caffeine and alcohol if advised by your cardiologist.
- Stay physically active as recommended; gentle walking is often encouraged early in recovery.
- Take medications on time and avoid over-the-counter drugs without consulting your doctor.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Heart Murmurs?
While not all heart murmurs can be prevented, especially those present from birth, confident lifestyle choices and regular check-ups can help reduce your risk of developing murmurs caused by heart disease or infections.
Prevention Tips
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels through diet and exercise.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, both of which strain the heart.
- Treat infections promptly, especially strep throat, to prevent rheumatic fever.
- Take care of your teeth and gums, as poor dental hygiene increases the risk of bacterial endocarditis.
- Get regular heart check-ups, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or were born with a congenital heart defect.
Possible Complications
- Valve damage may progress, leading to heart failure or arrhythmias.
- The risk of stroke or blood clots increases with certain types of valve disease.
- Infections like infective endocarditis can become life-threatening if not managed early.
Early prevention and regular monitoring are crucial in preventing serious complications.
Our Experience Treating Heart Murmurs at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we understand that hearing you have a heart murmur can be confusing and even worrying. That is why we approach every case with expert precision and compassionate care. Whether it's a harmless murmur or a sign of an underlying condition, our team of experienced cardiologists uses the latest diagnostics and treatments to ensure the best possible outcome.
We offer a comprehensive range of services, including advanced imaging and valve procedures, as well as personalised follow-up plans and cardiac rehabilitation, all under one roof. Most importantly, we listen to your concerns, clearly explain your options, and stand by you throughout your recovery journey.
Your heart health is in caring, capable hands at Medicover.
