Heart Murmur: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra or abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat, often felt as a whooshing or swishing noise. These sounds are detected by a doctor using a stethoscope while listening to the heart. Some murmurs are considered innocent and are not linked to heart disease, while others may be associated with conditions affecting the heart valves or blood flow within the heart. 

Heart Murmur Symptoms

Heart murmurs usually don’t cause any symptoms until the condition becomes severe. These are usually discovered during a routine medical examination. Common symptoms in adults and children include:

If you are experiencing recurrent symptoms or heart murmurs alongside chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness, urgent medical evaluation is strongly advised. 

Our specialists perform comprehensive cardiac investigations to identify the root cause and provide the right treatment without delay.

Book Your Consultation for a specialist evaluation.

Types

Innocent Heart Murmur

Innocent murmurs are more common in babies and children, but can also occur in adults. They are usually harmless, do not cause serious complications, and typically do not require treatment.

Abnormal

Abnormal heart murmurs are caused by structural problems within the heart, such as narrowed or leaking heart valves, or congenital heart conditions that disrupt normal blood flow. 

Systolic Murmur

A systolic cardiac murmur occurs when the heart contracts and pumps blood to the rest of the body. 

Diastolic Murmur

A diastolic heart murmur occurs when the heart relaxes between beats to refill itself with blood. 

Continuous

Continuous heart murmurs are heard throughout the entire cardiac cycle.

What Causes Murmur of the Heart?

A heart murmur develops when blood flow through the heart becomes turbulent. This commonly occurs due to narrowing of the heart valves (stenosis) or valve leakage (regurgitation). In some cases, murmurs may be linked to temporary physiological changes, while others may indicate an underlying cardiovascular condition requiring specialist care. Common causes of heart murmurs include:

Our consultant cardiologists at The National Heart Clinic provide expert diagnosis of both innocent and abnormal heart murmurs. Using advanced cardiac investigations, we deliver fast, accurate results and personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific symptoms and conditions. 

Our Specialists’ Diagnostic Approach to Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs usually do not cause noticeable symptoms and are often detected during a routine heart examination with a stethoscope. For a more detailed and accurate diagnosis, our cardiologists may recommend further investigations, such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or chest X-ray. Based on test results, symptoms, and clinical examination, murmurs are graded from 1 (low-grade) to 6 (most severe) to decide treatment accordingly. 

For fast and reliable diagnosis of a cardiac murmur, contact our cardiology team to book your consultation with specialists.

Treatment for Cardiac Murmurs

Treatment for a heart murmur depends on its underlying cause and severity. Innocent heart murmurs often do not require treatment and may simply need routine monitoring and follow-up.

However, when a murmur is linked to an underlying heart condition, such as heart valve disease, treatment may be needed to prevent complications and manage symptoms effectively.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, or specialist cardiac procedures such as heart valve repair or valve replacement. 

Why Choose The National Heart Clinic?

Our experienced cardiology specialists provide comprehensive assessment, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalised treatment plans to help patients receive the right care.

Early diagnosis and specialist care can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and support effective long-term management.

Book a Private Consultation Today

Book an appointment with a cardiac consultant at The National Heart Clinic, Harley Street, London, and get expert assessment, accurate diagnosis, and a personalised treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.

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