A heart murmur is the sound of blood flowing through the heart. It’s often harmless and doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, in some cases a heart murmur can be an indication of something more serious. It’s important to understand the potential side effects of a heart murmur so you can get the appropriate medical care if needed.
What Causes a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a heart valve that is not closing properly, or a change in the shape of the heart chamber. In some cases, the cause of the murmur is unknown.
What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Murmur?
Most people with a heart murmur don’t experience any symptoms. However, in some cases, the murmur can cause chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor.
How Is a Heart Murmur Diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose a heart murmur by listening to your heart with a stethoscope. They may also order tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram (ECHO), or a chest X-ray, to get a better understanding of the murmur and its cause.
What Are the Possible Complications of a Heart Murmur?
Most heart murmurs are harmless and don’t require any treatment. However, in some cases, a heart murmur can be an indication of a more serious underlying problem. These potential complications include:
Heart Valve Problems
A heart murmur can be a sign of a heart valve that isn’t working properly. This can lead to a condition called valvular heart disease, which can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If left untreated, valvular heart disease can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure.
Infective Endocarditis
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. It’s most commonly caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by a virus or fungus. People with a heart murmur are at an increased risk of developing this infection. Symptoms of infective endocarditis can include fever, chills, fatigue, and joint pain.
Arrhythmias
A heart murmur can be a sign of an underlying heart rhythm disorder, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Arrhythmias can cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Some arrhythmias can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
How Is a Heart Murmur Treated?
Most heart murmurs don’t require any treatment. However, if the murmur is an indication of an underlying problem, your doctor may recommend medications or surgery. Medications may include blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, or medications to treat arrhythmias. Surgery may be recommended to repair or replace a faulty heart valve.
What Can You Do to Prevent a Heart Murmur?
The best way to prevent a heart murmur is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking. Additionally, you should see your doctor for regular checkups and follow their instructions if any treatment is recommended.
Conclusion
A heart murmur is usually harmless and doesn’t require any treatment. However, in some cases, a heart murmur can be an indication of a more serious underlying problem. It’s important to understand the potential side effects of a heart murmur so you can get the appropriate medical care if needed. By following a healthy lifestyle and seeing your doctor regularly, you can reduce your risk of developing a heart murmur.