A heart murmur can be either completely harmless, or quite dangerous, depending on the specific causes. Heart murmur information covers the full spectrum of murmurs, from benign, to a situation that requires heart surgery. Many people, particularly children, have an innocent heart murmur at some point. This condition is usually nothing to worry about, requires no medical attention, and no dietary or exercise restrictions. An abnormal one, on the other hand, is more serious. Once it is detected, doctors generally do further testing to determine the causes and the appropriate heart murmur treatment.
What is a Heart Murmur?
Not an actual disease or illness, a heart murmur is a telltale sound, usually detected by a doctor with a stethoscope. Some murmurs have a swishing or whooshing sound, while others are merely an abnormal heartbeat. Once a doctor has concluded whether the sound implies an innocent heart murmur or an abnormal one, further testing is done to determine what exactly caused the problem, how serious it is, and what can be done about it.
There are many different types of heart murmurs which are considered abnormal. Some are due to poor functioning or structure from a congenital heart defect, while others can be due to an infection of heart tissue. Sometimes a valve isn't working properly, other times there is a hole in the connective tissue between the left and right side of the heart. Once all of the heart murmur information is deciphered, a doctor will probably recommend medication, such as diuretics, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgery.
Causes and Symptoms of an Abnormal Heart Murmur
An abnormal heart murmur can be due to problems with the heart valve or the heart muscle. They could be caused by defects that existed before the patient was born (congenital heart defects) which is usually the case with children diagnosed with heart murmurs, or developed later in life.
Arteriosclerosis, or a hardening of the arteries from cholesterol build-up, can lead to a heart murmur; high blood pressure can as well. Another possibility is having had a rheumatic fever after being exposed to strep throat bacteria. The infection from the fever can lead to permanent heart valve damage. Pericarditis is also a precursor to a heart murmur — it is an inflammation around the heart, caused by severe kidney disease, a heart attack, or an autoimmune disease.
While an innocent heart murmur has no symptoms, abnormal ones generally cause easily recognizable symptoms. Someone who may have a heart problem often experiences chest pains, an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Heart Murmur Prevention and Care
Heart health is important for everyone, but particularly for those people who have an abnormal heart murmur. Heart murmur prevention includes exercising regularly and avoiding activities that could harm the heart, such as excessive drinking, smoking, using drugs, eating a poor diet, and allowing oneself to remain in a state of stress. Regular check-ups are important to detect a possible heart murmur, and to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
For those who have a heart murmur, it is important to consume a cholesterol-lowering diet, as well as to take care of one's heart health. Also, check with a health care practitioner to decide what level of exercise is appropriate. Relaxing activities such as yoga and meditation are also beneficial to maintain low levels of stress.
A heart murmur does not have to be an obstacle, in fact it can be a reason to live a healthy, thriving life.
Sources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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