Heart murmurs are unusual sounds picked up by a stethoscope when listening to the heart. Most cardiac murmurs are completely non-threatening and demand no treatment. However, they aren’t always harmless and can indicate a severe cardiovascular condition. These noises might signify anything from a minor issue to a life-threatening one involving the heart’s valves. Keep reading to learn more about heart murmurs, how it manifests, and ways to manage the condition.

Symptoms

Abnormal heart sounds
Heart murmurs cause audible abnormalities when a stethoscope is placed over the chest. These noises can be very quiet or loud and can happen either during systole (when the heart is contracting) or diastole (when the heart is relaxing between beats).

Chest pain
Some people with cardiac murmurs experience chest pain or discomfort. When a valve is constricted or leaky, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body.

Breathing troubles
Breathlessness is a common symptom of a heart murmur, especially during exercise or when lying flat. It happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the body’s demands.

Exhaustion
Fatigue after physical activity or lying flat for long periods can indicate heart murmurs. It happens when the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Chronic cough
When a cough persists for over eight weeks in adults (or four weeks in kids), it can indicate a condition known as chronic cough and may be an effect of heart murmurs.

Fainting
In extreme circumstances, cardiac murmurs can lead to fainting.

Swelling
Leg, ankle, and foot swelling is a common symptom of a heart murmur. It happens when the heart cannot supply the body with sufficient blood.

Causes

Valvular heart disease
The most common cause of a heart murmur is a cardiac condition known as valvular heart disease. It happens when one or more of the heart’s valves are abnormally narrowed (stenosis) or leaked (regurgitation).

Congenital heart abnormalities
Heart murmurs can also result from congenital cardiac abnormalities present at birth but not always immediately noticeable. Such abnormalities can impact the heart valves.

Health conditions
A heart murmur is often the first indicator of a fever or infection in children because the heart valves are susceptible to inflammation caused by these disorders. Sometimes, harmful bacteria can infect the heart muscle and lead to conditions such as rheumatic fever, which may trigger heart murmurs. Furthermore, a lack of healthy blood cells (anemia) can negatively impact blood thickness, leading to heart murmurs. Other conditions that lead to heart murmurs include weakened heart muscle, structural problems with the heart, and endocarditis.

Pregnancy
The increased blood volume and alterations in blood flow might lead to the development of heart murmurs. Studies indicate that around 90% of women experience heart murmurs during pregnancy.

Thyroid disease
The over-functioning or under-functioning of the thyroid gland can cause heart murmurs.

Treatment
Heart murmurs can be treated in various ways, the most common of which are observed to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen.

• Prescriptions- Prescription therapy may be administered to manage symptoms and prevent complications in cases where a health condition, such as heart valve disease, is the root cause of the heart murmur.

• Surgery- Heart valve damage can be repaired or replaced surgically, but this treatment is advised only in severe cases. Surgery aims to remove the excess valve tissue to help the valve close tightly, replace the cords that support the valve, or reinforce or tighten the ring surrounding the valve.

• Changing lifestyle- A nutritious meal plan and regular exercise are just a few lifestyle adjustments that can alleviate heart murmur symptoms and lower the risk of complications.

• Avoiding caffeine- Avoiding caffeine, a known aggravators of heart murmurs, is another helpful strategy for controlling symptoms.

Prevention
The best way to prevent heart murmurs is to consult a health expert frequently, who can detect any developing murmurs and underlying health issues that trigger the condition.

• Oral hygiene routine – Keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Infections in your mouth can lead to heart murmurs, so avoiding them is essential.
• Control risk factors- Preventing heart murmurs and other heart-related disorders often requires controlling risk factors like high blood pressure and excessive cholesterol.

Most cases of heart murmurs do not necessitate treatment; however, if it is caused by a severe health condition like anemia or issues with the thyroid gland, then treatment may be necessary. Heart murmurs can be managed in various ways, including surgery, prescriptions, and behavioral modifications. Optimal heart health is achievable through adopting a healthy lifestyle, receiving professional help early, and adhering to the prescribed treatment plan.