A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat that is caused by abnormal blood flow through the heart. Here are ten points about heart murmurs:
Heart murmurs can be benign or serious. Benign heart murmurs are common and generally do not require treatment.
Serious heart murmurs, on the other hand, may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires treatment.
Heart murmurs are usually detected during a physical examination. Your doctor may hear a heart murmur when listening to your heart with a stethoscope.
Heart murmurs can be classified by their location and timing. For example, an "early diastolic murmur" is a heart murmur that occurs early in the diastolic phase of the heartbeat.
Heart murmurs may be caused by a variety of factors, including structural abnormalities in the heart, changes in blood flow, and infections.
Heart murmurs may be detected in people of all ages, but they are more common in children and young adults.
Heart murmurs may cause no symptoms or may cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or fatigue.
Heart murmurs may be diagnosed using a variety of tests, including a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), or a cardiac MRI.
Treatment for heart murmurs depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Treatment may include medications, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
Heart murmurs may resolve on their own or may require ongoing treatment.
It is important to speak with a healthcare provider if you are concerned about a heart murmur.