Heart murmurs refer to the sounds of rushing blood in or near the heart between beats. Though not necessarily serious, a murmur may indicate underlying infections and conditions that require treatment from a heart doctor. Here's what to know about heart murmurs and how to manage them with cardiac care.

Causes & Symptoms

There are two types of murmurs--innocent and abnormal. Innocent murmurs occur when the blood flows rapidly through the heart. This can occur during strenuous exercise or physical activity. It may also happen as a result of pregnancy, anemia, and hyperthyroidism. Additionally, innocent murmurs are common during phases of rapid growth, which is why many newborns and children experience them. These murmurs may go away on their own or last a lifetime. However, they typically do not cause any symptoms or health problems and require no treatment.

Abnormal murmurs may occur as a result of acquired problems with the heart valves. Alternatively, they might stem from congenital heart defects, which refer to structural problems of the heart that are present from birth. Common defects that cause abnormal murmurs include holes in the heart or cardiac shunts, which refer to abnormal blood flow between the heart chambers or blood vessels. Abnormal murmurs may also occur when valves don't allow enough blood through them or close properly. Other possible causes include hardening of the valves, infections of the inner lining of the heart and valves, and rheumatic fever. 

Symptoms of an abnormal murmur include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a chronic cough. You might also experience sudden weight gain, enlarged neck veins, and skin that appears blue, especially on your lips and fingertips. Excessive sweating, dizziness, and fainting are also possible with an abnormal murmur. 

Diagnosis & Treatment 

The course of treatment for an abnormal heart murmur depends on the underlying cause. A heart doctor can use a stethoscope to take note of the loudness and pitch of the sound, how frequently it occurs, and whether changing your body position affects the murmur. They may also perform an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structure, and take x-rays to assess the size and shape of the heart. 

A cardiologist may prescribe medication, such as blood thinners, which can allow blood to pass smoothly through narrow valves and reduce the murmur. They might also recommend treatment for anemia and hyperthyroidism, as managing these conditions can cause the murmur to go away. In some instances, a surgeon may need to relieve narrow valves, tighten valve tissues, or completely replace valves to restore the structure and function of the heart and eliminate the murmur. 

If you notice symptoms of an abnormal heart murmur, contact DiVagno Interventional DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA. This heart doctor provides customized cardiac care to patients throughout Rochelle Park, NJ. Call (201) 845-3535 to schedule an appointment for cardiac testing, and visit the website to learn more about how they can help you manage your heart condition.