Heart murmurs are sounds made near the heart that can be detected by a stethoscope. Usually described as a “wooshing” or “swishing” sound, murmurs are made by turbulent or abnormal flow across the heart.
Heart murmurs are generally classified into two categories: innocent and abnormal. Innocent heart murmurs do not signify an underlying heart condition and do not require treatment. Innocent heart murmurs are very common in newborns and young children. Abnormal heart murmurs, on the other hand, may indicate the presence of a condition that needs to be treated.
Innocent murmurs in adults may be caused by:Heart murmurs that are accompanied by other symptoms require medical attention. Even if you don’t experience additional symptoms, if you suspect you or your child has a heart murmur, talk to a health care provider as soon as possible. Many instances of heart murmurs do not require medical attention, but it is recommended that you receive confirmation that a heart murmur is innocent rather than abnormal.
If you have been diagnosed with innocent heart murmurs, you likely will not require treatment. If the murmur is being caused by a condition such as hyperthyroidism, treatment for the underlying cause will usually cause the heart murmur to go away. Abnormal heart murmurs may require medical attention. Below is a list of treatment options for abnormal heart murmurs.
During your appointment, talk to your healthcare provider about the treatment plan that is right for you.