Heart Murmur Causes: Symptoms and Treatment (2025)

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• What is a Heart Murmur?
• Causes of Heart Murmurs
• Symptoms of a Heart Murmur
• When to Worry About a Heart Murmur
• Ways to Diagnose Heart Murmur
• Treatment for Heart Murmurs
• Steps to Maintain A Healthy Heart Without Murmurs!

Introduction

A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. It is often detected using a stethoscope and may sound like a whooshing or swishing noise. Although it can sometimes indicate a serious heart issue, it is usually harmless. About 45% of children and 10% of adults experience heart murmurs.

Some murmurs result from structural heart problems or valve issues, while others are benign. Therefore, detecting whether a murmur is harmless or a sign of a serious heart condition is important for determining further medical care.

This blog explores what a heart murmur is, its causes, symptoms, treatments, and when you should be concerned about it.

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra, abnormal sound that doctors hear with a stethoscope when they are listening to the blood moving through the heart. These sounds differ from the usual “lub-dub” sound of a normal heartbeat. There are two main types of heart murmurs, including innocent and abnormal. Innocent murmurs do not indicate any heart issues and are common in children.

However, abnormal murmurs may indicate structural problems in the heart or valves and often require further medical investigation. They may arise when blood flows turbulently through the heart valves or chambers.

Causes of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs can result from various factors. Some are temporary or benign, while others indicate a heart problem. Therefore, everyone should stay aware of what causes heart murmurs to take necessary steps on time and prevent any severity during emergencies. Some of the main causes of heart murmurs are as follows:

• Structural Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are common causes of heart murmurs, particularly in children. These defects can affect the heart’s walls, valves, or blood vessels. In some cases, congenital defects require surgery to correct the abnormal blood flow that causes murmurs.

• Valve Issues

Heart valves regulate blood flow through the heart. Valve stenosis or valve regurgitation can cause abnormal heart murmurs. In stenosis, the valve narrows and restricts blood flow. In regurgitation, the valve doesn’t close completely, causing blood to leak backwards.

• Infections or Inflammation

Heart murmurs can result from infections such as endocarditis or rheumatic fever. These infections damage the heart valves and alter blood flow, which leads to murmurs. Quick treatment of these infections prevents permanent damage to the heart.See AlsoMurmur of the Heart | Rotten TomatoesHeart murmurs: Irregular heart sounds may be harmless-Heart murmurs - Symptoms & causes - Mayo ClinicHeart murmurs - causes, symptoms & treatmentCauses and Treatments of Heart Murmurs

• Increased Blood Flow

Sometimes, an increased blood flow due to factors like pregnancy, fever, or hyperthyroidism can lead to innocent murmurs. The heart pumps more blood to meet the body’s increased demands, which creates extra noise that can be heard as a murmur.

Symptoms of a Heart Murmur

The presentation of heart murmur symptoms in adults can be different from children. Thus, it is important to recognize these symptoms to get prompt medical help and avoid complications. Some of the key symptoms to look out for are as follows:

• Chest Pain and Fatigue

People with abnormal murmurs may experience chest pain or a constant feeling of fatigue. These symptoms of heart murmur indicate that the heart is working harder than usual to pump blood effectively. If someone experiences persistent fatigue with a murmur, they should consult a doctor.

• Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a common symptom associated with abnormal murmurs. It occurs when the heart fails to pump blood efficiently, leading to reduced oxygen flow to the body. People with heart murmurs may notice this symptom during physical activity or even at rest.

• Swelling in the Legs or Abdomen

A heart murmur in adults related to conditions like heart valve disease can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen. This is due to the heart’s inability to circulate blood properly, leading to fluid buildup in the body’s extremities.

• Fainting or Dizziness

Some people with abnormal heart murmurs may experience episodes of fainting or dizziness. This occurs when the heart struggles to pump enough blood to the brain. If fainting occurs with a murmur, immediate medical attention is required.

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When to Worry About a Heart Murmur

Not all heart murmurs are cause for concern, but it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. Heart murmur symptoms in adults can signal more serious issues, especially if accompanied by other health problems.

• Murmur Accompanied by Symptoms

If a heart murmur is associated with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it’s required to consult a healthcare provider. These symptoms may indicate that the murmur is caused by a more serious condition requiring treatment.

• Change in Murmur Characteristics

A change in a murmur’s characteristics, such as its volume or pitch, can also be a warning sign. If someone with an innocent murmur notices changes in the sound or associated symptoms, a doctor should evaluate it.See AlsoBruit vs. Murmur: What’s the Difference?

• Family History of Heart Disease

People with a family history of heart disease or congenital heart defects should pay close attention to any murmurs. Genetic factors may increase the risk of developing serious heart conditions. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor heart health.

Ways to Diagnose Heart Murmur

Doctors use several methods to determine the cause of a heart murmur. The goal is to figure out whether the murmur is innocent or abnormal and, if necessary, identify the underlying problem.

• Physical Examination: During a physical exam, a doctor listens to the heart using a stethoscope. They may ask the patient to hold their breath or change positions to better assess the sound and its origin.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. It helps doctors identify abnormal rhythms or problems that may be causing the murmur, such as arrhythmias or heart enlargement.
• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. This test helps doctors see the heart’s structure, valves, and blood flow patterns.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray provides an image of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It can show if the heart is enlarged or if other abnormalities are contributing to the murmur.
• Cardiac Catheterization: In more complex cases, cardiac catheterization may be performed. A thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel and threaded toward the heart to gather detailed information about the heart’s structure and function.

Read More: Synchronized Cardioversion ACLS Cheat Sheet

Treatment for Heart Murmurs

The treatment for a heart murmur depends on its cause. Innocent murmurs require no treatment, but abnormal murmurs may need medical or surgical intervention.

Medications

For some conditions, medications can help improve heart function or prevent complications.

• ACE Inhibitors: These help lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload, particularly in people with valve disease.
• Beta-blockers: These medications regulate the heart’s rhythm and slow it down, easing symptoms in people with valve problems.
• Diuretics: Also known as “water pills,” diuretics help reduce fluid buildup, especially in cases of heart failure associated with murmurs.

Surgical Procedures

In more serious cases, surgery may be required to correct the issue causing the murmur. Doctors can perform procedures like valve repair or replacement can restore normal heart function, which are discussed as follows:

• Valve Repair or Replacement

Damaged heart valves are either repaired to restore proper function or replaced with mechanical or animal tissue valves. Mechanical valves are long-lasting but require lifelong blood thinners, while tissue valves may need replacement over time. This improves heart efficiency and blood flow.

• Closure of Heart Defects

Surgical procedures can close holes in the heart wall, often congenital, allowing normal blood flow between heart chambers. Closing these defects helps prevent complications like heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or strokes and improves overall heart function.

• Angioplasty and Stents

In this procedure, narrowed or blocked arteries are opened using a balloon. A stent is often inserted to keep the artery open. This restores proper blood flow to the heart, reducing symptoms like chest pain and lowering the risk of heart attack.

Steps to Maintain A Healthy Heart Without Murmurs!

A heart murmur can be a harmless condition or a sign of underlying heart issues. Innocent murmurs require no treatment and usually pose no risk, while abnormal murmurs may indicate heart valve problems, infections, or congenital defects.

Most heart murmurs can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgery. Moreover, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, attending regular check-ups, and seeking care when symptoms arise ensure long-term cardiovascular health.

People should also stay equipped with skills such as CPR, first aid, and basic life support to help others in an emergency. An online course on advanced cardiac life support can also help professionals take quick action with confidence when it is needed the most.

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