What Is A Heart Murmur?

Understanding Heart Murmurs: When Should You Be Concerned?‍

A heart murmur is an unusual sound—like a whooshing or swishing—heard during a heartbeat. It’s caused by turbulent blood flow in or near the heart and is usually detected during a physical exam with a stethoscope. While many heart murmurs are harmless, some can signal underlying heart conditions that need treatment.

At BASS Medical Group, our experienced primary care providers and cardiologists offer comprehensive care to evaluate heart murmurs and related conditions across the Bay Area.

Types of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs are classified by when they occur during the heartbeat cycle:

• Systolic murmurs: Occur when the heart contracts (pumps blood out). These are often benign but can indicate valve problems like aortic stenosis.
• Diastolic murmurs: Occur when the heart relaxes and fills with blood. These are less common and more likely to indicate a heart condition.
• Continuous murmurs: Happen throughout both contraction and relaxation and may signal more complex circulatory issues.

What Causes a Heart Murmur?

Heart murmurs can be innocent (not related to disease) or abnormal (linked to structural heart problems). Causes may include:

Innocent (Harmless) Causes:

• Increased blood flow during pregnancy
• High fever or anemia
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Physical activity or growth spurts in children

Abnormal Causes:

• Heart valve disorders (stenosis or regurgitation)
• Congenital heart defects (present at birth)
• Endocarditis (heart valve infection)
• Rheumatic fever (complication from untreated strep throat)
• Calcification or thickening of valves (especially with age)

Symptoms of a Heart Murmur

Many people with heart murmurs have no symptoms and only discover it during a routine exam. But in some cases, a murmur may accompany:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or weakness
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Blue-tinted lips or skin (cyanosis)
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen

These may point to an abnormal heart murmur and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should schedule an appointment if you or your child experience:

• Persistent fatigue or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Unexplained fainting or dizziness
• Any of the symptoms listed above

At BASS Medical Group, our team can perform diagnostic tests like echocardiograms or electrocardiograms (EKGs) to assess heart function and determine the cause of a murmur.

How Are Heart Murmurs Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Innocent murmurs usually require no treatment, just regular checkups. Abnormal murmurs may be managed with:

• Medications (to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, or infection)
• Monitoring and follow-up with a cardiologist
• Surgery or valve repair for severe structural issues

Prevention and Heart Health Tips

While you can’t always prevent heart murmurs, you can reduce your risk of related heart disease by:

• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol
• Treating infections like strep throat promptly

Heart Murmur Evaluations at BASS Medical Group

Whether you’ve been told you have a murmur or are concerned about symptoms, BASS Medical Group offers expert cardiac care in Walnut Creek, Oakland, Brentwood, and beyond. Our primary care physicians and cardiologists will guide you through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up with compassion and expertise.

Book a heart health evaluation today at BASSMedicalGroup.com or call your nearest Bay Area location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can heart murmurs go away on their own?‍

A: Innocent murmurs in children often go away with age. In adults, they may resolve if caused by temporary conditions like fever or anemia.

Q: Are all heart murmurs dangerous?‍

A: No. Many murmurs are harmless, but some may signal valve disease or heart conditions that need treatment.

Q: Can anxiety cause a heart murmur?‍

A: Anxiety doesn’t cause a murmur, but it may increase your heart rate, making an existing murmur more noticeable during exams.

Q: How is a heart murmur diagnosed?‍

A: A doctor listens with a stethoscope and may order follow-up tests like an echocardiogram or EKG to evaluate heart structure and function.

Q: Is it safe to exercise with a heart murmur?‍

A: For innocent murmurs, exercise is usually safe. However, consult your provider first if you’ve been diagnosed with an abnormal murmur or valve issue.