All about heart murmurs

Here, Dr Niall Keenan, a highly respected consultant cardiologist, provides us with all the key pieces of information regarding heart murmurs.

What are heart murmurs?

Heart murmurs are common findings during physical examinations and are often heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. They are described as abnormal sounds produced by turbulent blood flow within the heart or blood vessels near the heart. While heart murmurs can sometimes indicate underlying heart problems, they can also be benign and harmless.

Can heart murmurs be serious or indicate underlying heart problems?

Heart murmurs are classified based on various characteristics, including their timing within the cardiac cycle, intensity, duration, and location on the chest. Innocent or benign heart murmurs are typically soft, brief, and heard during certain phases of the cardiac cycle, such as systole (when the heart contracts) or diastole (when the heart relaxes). These murmurs are often heard in children and young adults with structurally normal hearts and do not signify any heart abnormalities or health concerns.

On the other hand, pathological heart murmurs may indicate underlying heart conditions, such as valvular abnormalities, congenital heart defects, or structural heart diseases. These murmurs may be louder, longer, or heard throughout the cardiac cycle, and they may be associated with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations.

Common causes of pathological heart murmurs include mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal defects, and atrial septal defects.

How is the cause of heart murmurs diagnosed?

Diagnosing the underlying cause of a heart murmur typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), or chest X-ray. Depending on the findings, further evaluation and management may be necessary to address any underlying heart conditions or abnormalities.

How are heart murmurs treated?

Treatment for heart murmurs depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In many cases, no treatment is required for innocent heart murmurs, as they do not pose any health risks or complications. However, pathological heart murmurs may require medical intervention, lifestyle modifications, or surgical procedures to manage underlying heart conditions and prevent complications.

If you wish to consult with Dr Niall Keenan today, simply head on over to his Top Doctors profile.