Listen Up: Signs You May Have a Heart Murmur
A heart murmur is an unusual sound that occurs while your heart beats. It may sound like a whooshing or swishing noise, and can be heard through a stethoscope. A heart murmur is not a disease, but it can indicate an underlying heart problem. Not all heart murmurs are harmful, but some may require medical attention. In this article, we will discuss the signs that you may have a heart murmur and what they mean.
What is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is a noise made by turbulent blood flow within the heart. It may be innocent or abnormal. An innocent heart murmur is a common and harmless sound. It may be present at any age, including infancy.
An abnormal heart murmur is caused by a structural problem in the heart. This can include a leaky valve or a hole in the heart. Abnormal heart murmurs may require treatment.
Signs You May Have a Heart Murmur
- Unusual Heart Sounds: The sound of your heart may be different from what your doctor usually hears. It may be a whooshing or swishing noise that occurs in between your regular heart beats.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain may be a sign of an underlying heart problem.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired may be a sign of heart problems.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing may be a sign of a heart problem.
- Fainting: Fainting or feeling lightheaded may be a sign of a heart problem.
- Irritable: If you notice that you are irritable or have trouble sleeping, it may be a sign of a heart problem.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and listen to your heart using a stethoscope. If your doctor hears an unusual sound, they may refer you to a cardiologist for further testing.
Causes of Heart Murmurs
There are several causes of heart murmurs:
- Valve problems: Leaks or narrowing of the heart valves can cause heart murmurs.
- Septal defects: Holes in the heart can cause blood to flow in unusual directions, which can create a heart murmur.
- Ventrical hypertrophy: Thickened heart walls can make it difficult for blood to flow, causing a heart murmur.
- Anemia: Anemia is a condition characterized by a low level of iron in the blood. This can cause a turbulent flow of blood and lead to heart murmurs.
Diagnosing Heart Murmurs
Diagnosing a heart murmur involves a physical examination and several tests. Your doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope while you lie down and then while you stand up. This helps identify any changes in the heart murmurs that may be related to the position of your body.
Your doctor may also order an echocardiogram. This is a noninvasive test that uses ultrasound to show the structure and function of your heart. The test can detect any structural abnormalities in your heart that may be causing the heart murmur.
Treatment of Heart Murmurs
The treatment of your heart murmur will depend on its severity and the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, medication or surgery may be required.
If your heart murmur is caused by a structural abnormality that is causing problems with blood flow, you may require surgery. This could include repairing or replacing heart valves, or closing holes in the heart.
Preventing Heart Murmurs
Preventing heart murmurs involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Some tips to reduce your risk of developing heart murmurs include:
- Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can improve the health of your heart and reduce the risk of heart problems.
- Proper Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease and heart murmurs.
- Managing Stress: Stress can increase the risk of heart problems. Find ways to manage stress such as exercise, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is important for overall health, including the health of your heart.
Conclusion
A heart murmur is an unusual sound that occurs while your heart beats. While not all heart murmurs are harmful, some may indicate an underlying heart problem. If you experience any of the signs of heart murmurs, contact your doctor for an evaluation. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of your heart murmur.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-murmurs#prevention
How to know if you have a heart murmur?
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on heart murmurs:
- What are the signs of a heart murmur?
Unusual heart sounds, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, fainting or feeling lightheaded, and irritability can be signs of a heart murmur. - Is a heart murmur serious?
A heart murmur is not necessarily serious, but it can indicate an underlying heart problem. - How are heart murmurs diagnosed?
Your doctor will listen to your heart with a stethoscope and may order an echocardiogram to look for any structural problems in your heart. - Can heart murmurs be treated?
The treatment of your heart murmur will depend on the underlying cause and severity. Some heart murmurs may require medication or surgery. - How can heart murmurs be prevented?
Regular exercise, proper nutrition, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can help prevent heart murmurs.