Heart Murmur: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

A heart murmur is not actually heart disease, but a condition which can be present from birth (congenital) or might develop at some point later on in a person’s life.  The normal heart sound heard through a stethoscope is a “lubb dupp,” which signals the closing of the valves, with a murmur there will be abnormal sounds made by turbulent blood in or near the heart.  A majority of heart murmurs are harmless (innocent) and will not require treatment, but some require medical testing in order to determine the cause and what if any, treatment might be necessary.


Heart Murmur Signs and Symptoms

People that suffer from an innocent or harmless heart murmur will not likely exhibit any signs or symptoms.  An abnormal heart murmur generally has no obvious signs, apart from when a physician listens and notes an abnormal sound during a physical examination.  However, there are signs which can indicate a serious problem, which may warrant further medical attention:
 

• Swelling (edema)
• Cyanosis (bluish tint) of the skin, particularly the fingertips and lips
• Shortness of breath
• Weight gain (in both children and adults)
• Enlargement of neck veins
• Enlarged liver
• Profuse sweating with little to no physical exertion
• Chest pains
• Poor appetite (failure to thrive in children)
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Treatment of Heart Murmur

A harmless heart murmur usually requires little to no medical intervention or treatment because the heart is not abnormal.  A large percentage of congenital heart murmurs will either self-correct or go away once treatment for the cause has been provided.  Normally, a physician will monitor a heart murmur over time to ensure the condition does not become serious or life-threatening, and if necessary medication and surgery can be done to treat the problem.

The medication prescribed for a heart murmur will depend upon what specific heart problem the person is suffering from.  Some medications that can be used to treat a heart murmur can include:
 

• Medications to help the heart squeeze/contract harder
• Blood clot prevention medications
• Beta blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors which lower the blood pressure
• Diuretics (in order to remove fluid)
• Statins which will lower cholesterol

Some heart problems which cause murmurs can require a person to need surgery or heart catheterization.  Surgery can be used to patch a hole in the heart, replace or repair a defective valve, rebuild a blood vessel or to widen a vessel by inserting a stent.  Some people will need to undergo a regimen of antibiotic medications before surgery in order to prevent complications or infections, but a physician will have to determine the best course of action for each individual case.


International Heart Awareness Efforts

February is Canadian Heart Month and the Red Cross tries to help raise awareness among Canadians about the importance of heart health.  Because heart disease and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among Canadians, efforts are underway to educate citizens about the importance of regular exercise, a healthy diet, smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy body weight.  By raising awareness, it is hoped that lives will be saved and the public will become more concerned about their overall health.

Beginning in 1963, the United States Congress has required the president to declare February, “American Heart Month,” in order to address cardiovascular diseases which are the number one killer of Americans.  The American Heart Association works in conjunction with the administration to enact the annual proclamation and during the month, volunteers across the country visit households to raise awareness, funds and increase educational efforts to others about heart disease and stroke.

For women, the National Wear Red Day occurs each year on February 5th, and is sponsored by the American Heart Association.  The campaign is designed to get people to speak up about female heart disease, share stories and spread the word about the staggering statistics about heart disease among women.  Every single day females are dying at a rate of almost one each minute, showing support against heart disease is a powerful way to raise awareness and help stop the number one killer of women all over the country.


Overview

While most heart murmurs are not cause for serious concern, there are those that could be indicative of something more.  By having the condition regularly checked by a licensed medical professional, observing a healthy diet, participating in a regular fitness routine, maintaining a healthy body weight and following medical advice, a person can live with a heart murmur and still have a normal, healthy quality of life.  Before beginning any fitness routine or making any drastic lifestyle changes, a person should always first check with their personal physician and strictly adhere to any advice and instructions recommended.