Heart Murmur
A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard between heartbeats — such as a whooshing, swishing or clicking noise. A normal heartbeat makes two sounds like "lub-DUP", which are the sounds of your heart valves closing. These sounds can be heard with a stethoscope.
Heart murmurs can be present at birth or develop later in life. A heart murmur isn't a disease — but murmurs may indicate an underlying heart problem. Heart murmurs usually result from an abnormal blood flow through the heart. A heart valve that’s not working correctly typically causes the murmur sound.
Often, heart murmurs are harmless (innocent) and don't need treatment. Some heart murmurs may require follow-up tests to be sure the murmur isn't caused by a serious underlying heart condition. Treatment, if needed, is directed at the cause of your heart murmur.
Symptoms
You may have a heart murmur and notice no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they can include:
- Bluish skin colour, especially on the fingers or lips
- Chest pain
- Swelling or sudden weight gain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating with minimal or no exertion
- Poor appetite and abnormal growth in children (especially infants)
- Chronic cough
- Enlarged liver
- Enlarged neck veins
When to see a doctor
Most heart murmurs aren’t serious, but if you or someone you care about unexpectedly displays one or more of these symptoms, they should see their health care provider. If your doctor thinks you may have a more serious condition, you may be referred to a cardiologist.