The heart normally produces certain sounds during the process of pumping blood and these are referred to as heart beats. These sounds (usually two in number) are heard as (lubb-dupp sounds) the valves in the heart close. Murmurs are sounds that are heard in addition to the heart sounds during each heartbeat. These murmurs can be categorized as ‘innocent’ murmurs when they are caused due to the increased flow or turbulence across normal valves or as abnormal murmurs when there is an obvious underlying pathology that results in additional heart sounds. Heart murmurs are noted both in children and adults.¹

What Causes Heart Murmurs?

Causes of Heart Murmur

Abnormal heart murmurs may be caused either due to an improper closing of the heart valves that result in backflow of the blood or due to the gushing of the blood through a narrowed or stiffened heart valve.
 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Heart Murmurs?

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Murmur

The innocent murmurs usually do not result in any symptoms while abnormal murmurs though asymptomatic for many years; can result in various signs and symptoms based on its severity.

How are Heart Murmurs Diagnosed?

A heart murmur is usually detected when the doctor listens to the heartbeats with a stethoscope. Further, evaluation of the abnormal heart sounds are performed with the help of electrocardiogram, chest X-rays, echocardiography and in certain cases, catheterization of the blood vessels of the heart.

How can Heart Murmurs be Prevented?

There are no known methods to prevent the conditions that are present since birth. However, modification of lifestyle (which includes proper diet and healthy practices) is helpful in preventing the conditions that may lead to abnormal changes in the heart. Furthermore, certain precautions are to be taken during infections to prevent worsening of the heart condition.