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 murmur.

Your 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.
• 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 murmur indicates abnormal blood flow across a heart valve.

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.

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