Heart Murmur

Our Approach

Many heart murmurs have no symptoms and don't need treatment. Some heart murmurs don't cause symptoms but require follow-up tests. Our doctors use these tests to determine if an underlying heart condition is causing the heart murmur and to identify any heart murmur symptoms that may have been overlooked. When needed, they will recommend an echocardiogram for heart murmur evaluation to help confirm the cause.

Your heart murmur treatment plan may include:

• Blood pressure medicines
• Blood thinners
• Cholesterol-lowering medicines
• Water pills (diuretics)

If heart valve disease is causing the murmur, our cardiovascular surgeons can repair or replace the faulty valves. Learn more about heart valve treatment.

How is a heart murmur diagnosed?

Our cardiologists diagnose heart murmurs by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. If your doctor thinks the heart murmur is abnormal, you may need additional tests, including:

• X-ray: An X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation to show images of the heart.
• EKG: EKG (ECG or electrocardiogram) measures the heart's electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram: Echocardiograms use sound waves to make pictures of your heart. An echocardiogram for heart murmur analysis can detect valve narrowing or leakage and abnormal blood flow patterns.
• Cardiac catheterization: During cardiac catheterization, your doctor inserts a long, thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel. Your doctor then guides the catheter to your heart to diagnose heart problems.

What is a heart murmur?

Normal heartbeats make a "lub-dub" sound, which is the sound of your heart's valves closing. A heart murmur makes a swishing sound during a heartbeat.  A heart murmur indicates abnormal blood flow across a heart valve and may occur with or without noticeable heart murmur symptoms.

There are two types of heart murmurs:

• Innocent (harmless)
• Abnormal

What causes a heart murmur?

Heart murmurs that are present at birth (congenital) are the most common. Causes of congenital heart murmurs include:

• A hole in the heart
• A heart valve that leaks
• A heart valve that doesn't allow enough blood flow

Some heart murmurs develop later in life. Older children and adults may be at risk for heart murmurs caused by:

• Family history of heart murmurs
• Infections in the heart (endocarditis)
• Rheumatic (scarlet) fever
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Valve hardening (calcification)

Many of these conditions should be treated to prevent future heart damage. When these issues lead to a heart murmur, an echocardiogram helps pinpoint the cause and tailor heart murmur treatment.

You can also increase the risk of having a baby with heart defects, including a murmur, if you are a pregnant woman who:

• Has uncontrolled diabetes
• Is infected with rubella (German measles)
• Uses certain medications, alcohol or drugs

Symptoms of a heart murmur

Signs and symptoms of an abnormal heart murmur include:

• Bluish skin, especially on the fingertips or lips
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Dizziness, fainting
• Enlarged liver
• Enlarged neck veins
• Heavy sweating
• Poor appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden weight gain

Not everyone experiences heart murmur symptoms, but if you notice any of the above, contact your doctor. Early evaluation with an echocardiogram for heart murmur assessment can clarify the cause and guide appropriate heart murmur treatment. Treatment varies based on the cause, type and symptoms of a heart murmur and many can life a full, active life with a heart murmur. 

Get connected to care

Whether your heart murmur is innocent or abnormal, our team will monitor for changes, manage risk factors, and provide individualized heart murmur treatment when needed. Recognizing heart murmur symptoms and seeking timely care can help protect your heart health over the long term.

If you are concerned about a previously diagnosed heart murmur or are experiencing symptoms, start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider. Your primary care provider can evaluate you and make referrals to a specialist. 

If you believe you could be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.