HEART-SENSE
Two Types of Heart Murmurs
Innocent (Benign)
Innocent heart murmurs are extra sounds made as the blood travels through the heart. They generally require no treatment or change in activity. They rarely cause heart failure and are not likely due to heart valve disease
Pathologic (Abnormal)
Pathologic heart murmurs are caused by an abnormality in the heart, most specifically heart valve disease . They can be identified by the sound they make as the blood travels through the heart. This type of murmur can often be identified by a doctor but they may utilize tests to confirm. These heart murmurs can be accompanied by other symptoms of heart failure including:
- shortness of breath
- sudden weight gain
- chronic cough
- enlarged liver or neck veins
- chest pain
- unexplained heavy sweating
Risk Factors for Heart Murmurs
Heart related conditions that increase your risk of Heart Murmurs are
- high blood pressure
- heart valve disease
- Aortic Stenosis
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Additionally, other medical conditions including
- rheumatic fever
- heart failure
There are also lifestyle factors that can increase your risk for Heart Murmurs. They include
- smoking
- caffeine exposure
- alcohol consumption
- lack of exercise
- eating foods high in fat
- cholesterol
- sodium intake
Additionally, being older than 65 increases your risk.
It is important to reduce your risk factors by managing your medications and making lifestyle changes. Reducing these can help reduce symptoms and your risk for complications.
