Heart Murmur

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is made by blood flow within the heart and can be heard through a stethoscope. Typically, when your heart beats, a "lub" and "dub" sound is produced when the valve closes. 

Heart murmurs can be congenital and present at birth or may be a condition where it develops later in life. A heart murmur may indicate underlying heart issues. They are usually harmless but may require follow-up tests to ensure the condition of your heart.

What are the symptoms of a Heart Murmur?

Some Heart Murmurs do not show symptoms at all and are discovered during a routine health examination. 

Depending on the types of Heart Murmurs, symptoms you may experience include:

• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Decreased tolerance for physical exertion
• Heavy sweating with minimal to no exertion
• Light-headedness, dizziness or fainting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

What causes Heart Murmurs?

Some heart problems or health conditions that may cause Heart Murmurs include:

• Anemia affects the viscosity of your blood which may cause murmurs in your heart.
• Carcinoid Heart Disease is a slow-growing tumor which may affect your heart. 
• Heart Valve Disease happens when one or more heart valve is not working correctly, preventing proper heart circulation. 
• Congenital Heart Disease happen when there are structural problems in your heart from birth. An example includes a hole in your heart (septal defect). 

How is a Heart Murmur diagnosed?

Blood Test
A  blood test will be done to organ function, and check cholesterol levels and the presence of anemia. 

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a form of ultrasound which shows your heart's movement, structure, and function.

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An electrocardiogram records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.

Imaging Test
Cardiac imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check the size of your heart and if there is fluid build-up surrounding organs.