A heart murmur is an extra or unusual “whooshing” or “swishing” sound heard during a heartbeat. It is caused by rapid turbulent blood flow within or near the heart. 

You live a short life with a heart murmurYou live a short life with a heart

What is a heart murmur?

There are two types of heart murmurs: innocent and abnormal. Innocents are common in teenagers, and during pregnancy. Abnormals can be caused by heart issues, like valve disease, congenital heart defects, or infections.

What can heart murmurs be classified as?

Many heart murmurs (like innocent ones) cannot be prevented. However, following a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing abnormal murmurs.

What is the best way to prevent heart murmurs?

Inncocent murmurs have no symptoms. Abnormal ones can cause more symptoms, like dizziness, chest pain, cyanosis, or excessive sweating.

What are possible symptoms of a heart murmur?

These tests are not used to "hear" heart murmurs directly, but they are crucial for detecting the underlying causes or secondary effects of a murmur. The most common blood test for heart murmurs is a BNP test; B-type (sometimes Brain) Natriuretic Peptide test.

What are some common tests for heart murmurs?

Only in more critical cases, some surgical and interventional procedures are balloon valvuoplasty, transcatherter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and heart valve repair or replacement.

Beta-blockers, Diuretics, Antihistamine Meds

Diuretics, Anti-anxiety Meds, Antihistamine Meds

Anti-anxiety Meds, Antihistamine Meds, Blood Thinners

What could be some acute treatment options for heart murmurs?

Management of a heart murmur depends entirely on whether it is innocent or abnormal. Typically, innocent murmurs usually require no treatment. Abnormal murmurs are managed through monitoring, lifestyle changes, medication, or procedures.

 No drinking, smoking, reduce salt intake

 Reduce salt intake, exercise, drink alcohol

What are some management options for heart murmurs?

Innocent murmurs are not dangerous and generally have an excellent outlook, in fact, most disappear before adulthood. For abnormal murmurs, it depends on the severity. Many people only require monitoring; and if it worsens, are offered medication or surgery as needed. If left untreated, severe cases can lead to heart failure, arrhythmia, or stroke.