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Understanding Heart Murmurs: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Heart murmurs are extra or unusual sounds heard during a heartbeat. While many murmurs are harmless, some can indicate underlying heart problems. Understanding heart murmurs, their causes, and when to seek medical attention is essential.
What is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is a whooshing or swishing sound heard through a stethoscope when blood flows through the heart. Murmurs can be innocent (harmless) or abnormal, potentially signalling a heart condition.
Causes of Heart Murmurs
Innocent (Harmless) Murmurs:
- Common in children and often disappear with age.
- Can occur during pregnancy or periods of rapid growth.
- May result from fever, anaemia, or physical activity.
Abnormal Murmurs (Cardiac Causes):
- Heart Valve Problems:
- Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve, restricting blood flow.
- Mitral Valve Regurgitation: The mitral valve doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to flow backward.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: The valve bulges back into the atrium, sometimes causing regurgitation.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural problems present from birth, such as holes in the heart (septal defects).
- Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves that can damage valve tissue.
- Rheumatic Heart Disease: Damage to heart valves caused by rheumatic fever.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Thickening of the heart muscle affecting blood flow.
Recognising Heart Murmurs
Most murmurs have no symptoms. However, symptoms associated with abnormal murmurs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fainting or dizziness
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Bluish skin, especially on the fingertips and lips
⚠️ Emergency Signs: Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pain with shortness of breath
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
What Should You Do?
- Seek Prompt Medical Advice: If a murmur is detected, your GP may refer you to a cardiologist.
- Monitor Symptoms: Note any new or worsening symptoms, such as fatigue or breathlessness.
- Regular Check-Ups: Innocent murmurs may not need treatment but should be monitored.
Tests and Treatments
- Echocardiogram: The key test to determine the cause of a murmur by visualising heart structure and blood flow.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To detect heart rhythm problems.
- Chest X-ray: To check the size and shape of the heart.
- Blood Tests: To identify infections or other related conditions.
Treatment Options
- No Treatment Required: Innocent murmurs often require no action.
- Medications: Such as anticoagulants, beta-blockers, or diuretics, depending on the underlying cause.
- Surgical Interventions:
- Valve repair or replacement.
- Procedures to correct congenital heart defects.
Recovery and Self-Care
- Follow Treatment Plans: Adhere to prescribed medication schedules and follow-up appointments.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
- Infection Prevention: For those at risk, antibiotics may be recommended before certain medical or dental procedures.
Final Thoughts
Heart murmurs can be harmless or a sign of a more serious heart condition. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are key. If you or a loved one has been told you have a heart murmur, ensure regular follow-ups and seek medical help for any concerning symptoms.
If severe symptoms arise, such as chest pain or fainting, dial 999 immediately — quick action saves lives.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with concerns about your health.