Question 1

What is a heart murmur?

Accepted Answer

An extra heart beat - 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.

Question 2

What can heart murmurs be classified as?

Accepted Answer

Innocent and Abnormal - 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.

Question 3

What is the best way to prevent heart murmurs?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What are possible symptoms of a heart murmur?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

What are some common tests for heart murmurs?

Accepted Answer

EKG, CT Scan, MRI - 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.

Question 6

What could be some acute treatment options for heart murmurs?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What are some management options for heart murmurs?

Accepted Answer

Don't smoke, exercise, eat healthy - 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.

Question 8

What is the prognosis for someone with a heart murmur?

Accepted Answer

Depends on severity - 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.

Heart Murmur Trivia

2) What can heart murmurs be classified as?

3) What is the best way to prevent heart murmurs?

4) What are possible symptoms of a heart murmur?

5) What are some common tests for heart murmurs?

6) What could be some acute treatment options for heart murmurs?

7) What are some management options for heart murmurs?

8) What is the prognosis for someone with a heart murmur?