Has your doctor recently informed you that you have a heart murmer? While many heart murmurs are harmless, it's important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Le D. Ha, MD, a cardiologist at Summit Health, helps break down everything you need to know about heart murmurs including diagnosis and the various treatment options that are available.

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard between heartbeats, typically caused by abnormal blood flow through the heart valves. Think of it like this: when water flows smoothly through a garden hose, it moves quietly. But if you pinch the hose, the water pressure increases and creates a whooshing sound as it escapes. Similarly, when blood flows through narrowed or irregular heart valves, it generates extra turbulence, which can be detected as a heart murmur. Your doctor can identify these murmurs during a physical exam by listening to your heart with a stethoscope.

There are two main types of heart murmurs:

• Innocent heart murmurs: These are common, especially in children and usually don't indicate a heart problem. They are mostly benign, which is why that are categorized as innocent and harmless. 
• Pathological heart murmurs: These murmurs are often caused by underlying heart conditions and require specialized medical attention. Typically caused by blood flowing abnormally across the valves.

What causes a heart murmur?

Heart murmurs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Heart valve problems: Leaky or narrowed heart valves can cause turbulent blood flow, resulting in a heart murmur.
• Heart defects: Inherited heart defects, such as holes in the heart or abnormal connections between blood vessels, can also cause heart murmurs.
• Heart muscle problems: Weakened heart muscle can lead to abnormal blood flow and heart murmurs.
• Increased blood flow: Conditions that increase blood flow through the heart, such as anemia, hyperthyroidism or pregnancy, can trigger innocent heart murmurs.

When to seek medical attention

While some heart murmurs are harmless, it's important to consult with your doctor if you have concerns or experience any of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or fluttering)
• Fainting

"If a heart murmur is caused by valvular heart disease, you may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain during exertion, fatigue, swelling in the legs and dizziness. These symptoms, especially if they are new or worsening, could signal an underlying heart problem and warrant immediate medical attention," explains Dr. Ha.

Do heart murmurs go away?

Everyone’s heart is different and heart murmurs can change over time. That’s why regular checkups with your doctor are important so they can listen to your heart and monitor for any changes. “Most serious heart murmurs won’t disappear until addressed and if a heart murmur is left untreated, it can worsen over time,” says Dr. Ha.

Diagnosing a heart murmur

At the Summit Health Cardiology Department, we provide a patient-centered approach tailored to each individual's specific needs:

• Comprehensive diagnostic services: Our team uses a range of advanced diagnostic tools, such as echocardiograms, to accurately identify the cause of the murmur, evaluate the heart pumping function and look at the heart valves in more detail. Our experienced providers will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Personalized treatment plans and education: By understanding your diagnosis and treatment plan, you can play an active role in managing your heart health.
• Follow-up treatment: Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor your heart health. These appointments allow your doctor to track the progress of your heart condition and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan.

Treatment for heart murmurs

There are many options for treating heart murmurs depending on the cause of the condition. Many heart murmurs do not require any treatment. However, some heart murmurs will require medication or even surgical solutions. Your cardiologist can help you decide on a treatment plan that is right for you based on your symptoms and what is causing your condition. We can help. Make an appointment at Summit Health today.

At Summit Health, our cardiology specialists are committed to providing the highest level of care, from diagnosis through to treatment. If you suspect you have symptoms of heart murmurs or have been diagnosed with a heart health condition, we're here for you.

Find a cardiologist at Summit Health today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experts is ready to provide personalized care and comprehensive treatment options tailored to your needs. Schedule an appointment today.