Heart murmurs

What are Heart Murmurs?

Murmur" is the sound of blood flowing. It may be passing through a problem heart valve, for instance. Or it may be that a condition makes your heartbeat faster and forces your heart to handle more blood quicker than normal.

What are the symptoms of Heart Murmurs?

Most are innocent, experience no symptoms and don't require any treatment.However, some murmurs can occur in conjunction with these other symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Bluish skin color or fingertips (sometimes seen in babies with congenital heart defects)

What are the causes of Heart Murmurs?

• Leaky or narrow heart valve
• Increased blood flow across a valve as a result of medical conditions suchas anemia or hyperthyroidism.
• Congenital heart defects

How are heart Murmurs treated?

Many children and adults have harmless heart murmurs, which don't need treatment. If another condition, like high blood pressure, is causing yours, your doctor will treat the cause.

Some types of heart valve disease may require:

• Medicines to prevent blood clots, control irregular heartbeat or palpitations, and lower blood pressure
• Diuretics to get rid of excess salt and water from your body, making it easier for your heart to pump
• Surgery to correct heart defects you’re born with
• Surgery to correct certain types of heart valve disease

Disclaimer

This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Doctors Catalog has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 108 for immediate assistance.