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    • Home
    • Heart Healthy Living
    • Heart Disease Information
      • Aortic Stenosis
      • Atrial Fibrillation
      • Mitral Regurgitation
      • Congestive Heart Failure
      • Stroke Prevention
      • Heart Murmurs
      • Heart Disease Overview
    • Screening Project
    • Heart Sense for Kids
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Heart Healthy Living
  • Heart Disease Information
  • Screening Project
  • Heart Sense for Kids
  • Contact Us
HEART-SENSE

HEART-SENSE

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What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is a sound made during your heartbeat. It can be heard with a stethoscope and is an extra sound outside the usual two sounds made by your heart valves closing. Heart murmurs can be innocent and require no treatment or they can be abnormal and treatment can be focused on the cause of the murmur.

Two Types of Heart Murmurs

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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. 

Pathologic (Abnormal)

Pathologic heart murmurs are caused by an abnormality in the heart. 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 including:

  • shortness of breath
  • sudden weight gain
  • chronic cough
  • enlarged liver or neck veins
  • chest pain
  • unexplained heavy sweating

Have you ever been told you have a Heart Murmur?

Risk Factors for Heart Murmurs

Heart related conditions that increase your risk of Heart Murmurs are 

  • high blood pressure
  • heart valve abnormalities
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Bicuspid Aortic Valve


Additionally, other medical conditions including 

  • rheumatic fever
  • endocarditis (infection)


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.

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I have a heart murmur, what should I do now?

If diagnosed with a heart murmur, it is important to continue to monitor.

If your primary care doctor has identified a heart murmur, it is important to see a cardiologist for follow up. In some cases, heart murmurs that are caused by heart valve abnormalities can worsen over time. It is important to continue to monitor your heart murmur and any related symptoms with your doctor. They will be able to provide more information about treatment plans and confirm your diagnosis through testing. 

How often should I go to the doctor if I have a heart murmur?

Checking in with your doctor is important when you have an abnormal heart murmur. Discuss with your doctor how often you should schedule your visits after you discuss your heart murmur. 

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