Heart murmurs are continuous abnormal sounds during your heartbeat cycle that is made by turbulent blood flow in or near your heart. The sound is audible with a stethoscope. A heart murmur is not a disease but murmurs may indicate a problem, these murmurs may be present at birth or may develop later in life.
There are two types of heart murmurs: innocent murmurs and abnormal murmurs. Abnormal murmurs are caused by a congenital heart disease or acquired heart valve problems. Innocent murmurs are common in newborns and in children and are caused when blood flows rapidly through the heart. Few other causes of heart murmurs include:
• Anemia
• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Overactive thyroid
• Pregnancy
• Physical activity or exercise
The symptoms of heart murmurs include:
An unusual heart murmur may cause no other obvious signs apart from the abnormal sound your doctor hears when listening to your heart beat with a stethoscope. But in case you have the following signs or symptoms, they may indicate a heart problem:
• Chronic cough
• Swelling or sudden weight gain
• Skin that appears blue, particularly on fingertips and lips
• Shortness of breath
• Enlarged liver
• Chest pain
• Enlarged neck veins
• Poor appetite
• Heavy sweating
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
When to see a doctor?
If you think you or your child has a heart murmur, please contact your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis.
