A Rhythmic Mystery: Deciphering Heart Murmurs

We often talk about hearts "skipping a beat" in moments of excitement, but sometimes, the heart has its own rhythm, producing unexpected sounds called heart murmurs. These are called heart murmurs. Unusual whooshing or swishing noises heard during a heartbeat. While they can be harmless, sometimes they signal underlying heart conditions, making it important to understand what’s causing them.

Heart murmurs can affect anyone, including children and adults. According to studies, up to 8.6% of infants and 80% of children have a cardiac murmur throughout their first few years of life. While heart murmurs are mostly harmless in children, particularly during periods of development, they can occasionally indicate more serious heart problems in adults. Adults can have cardiac murmurs as a result of certain heart conditions, such as valve dysfunction. In India, lifestyle also has a significant impact. Less movement, poor eating, stress, and undesirable habits such as smoking can increase one’s chances of developing heart murmurs.

What is a heart murmur?

A healthy heart produces two distinct sounds: ‘lub’ and ‘dub’. These sounds are produced by the heart valves closing. A heart murmur is an additional sound, often described as a swishing or rushing noise, that can be heard between these normal heart sounds. It's caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart, often due to structural abnormalities or valve problems.

What is my heart telling me?

Heart murmurs are characterised according to when they occur in a heartbeat. The Systolic form of murmur happens when the heart muscle contracts (tightens). Diastolic murmurs arise as the heart muscle relaxes. Continuous heart murmurs occur as your heart muscle contracts and relaxes. Diastolic and continuous murmurs are more commonly associated with heart disease. However, all cardiac murmurs should be investigated.

Listen to your heart: Heart murmur symptoms to pay attention to

While not everyone with a cardiac murmur shows symptoms, here are some common signs to look for:

• Shortness of breath: This can be defined as difficulty breathing, particularly during physical exercise or even during rest. It is frequently an indication of impaired cardiac function or fluid buildup in the lungs.

• Fatigue: Feeling especially tired or weak, even after light activity. This could be attributed to decreased oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.

• Chest pain or discomfort: Pain or pressure in the chest, especially during physical activity, might be a sign of heart disease, including heart murmurs.

• Palpitations: These are the sensations of a fast, irregular, or strong heartbeat. They can be frightening and may suggest underlying heart rhythm problems.

• Dizziness or fainting: Decreased blood circulation to the brain may lead to dizziness or fainting, especially during physical exercise or sudden movements.

• Swelling in the legs or ankles: This may indicate fluid buildup in the lower extremities, which is commonly caused by heart failure.

Why am I getting a heart murmur?

Here are the main causes of heart murmurs:

1. Innocent heart murmurs are innocuous that are frequently detected in young people. They are typically produced by an increase in blood flow via the heart, particularly during growth spurts or exercise.

2. Organic heart murmurs are produced by underlying heart problems that impair the heart's structure or function. They can be more dangerous and may necessitate medical intervention. Common causes include:

• Valve disorders: Problems with the heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking)

• Congenital heart defects: Structural irregularities that exist from birth

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Thickening of the heart muscle

Can I prevent heart murmurs naturally?

Although it’s not possible to prevent every heart murmur, adopting a healthy lifestyle can greatly lower your chances of developing heart problems that could result in murmurs. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Regular exercise: Try to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. Regular physical activity helps your heart stay healthy and strong.

2. Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed meals, saturated fats, and sugary beverages. A well-balanced diet can aid in achieving a healthy weight and cutting down the risk of heart disease.

3. Weight management: Keep a healthy weight to reduce the burden on your heart. Carrying excess weight or being obese can increase the likelihood of heart disease.

4. Avoid smoking: Smoking harms blood arteries and raises the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your heart health.

5. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use might damage your heart. Limit your alcohol usage to modest levels.

6. Manage stress: Use stress-reduction practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. Chronic stress hurts heart health.

7. Regular check-ups: Arrange routine appointments with your physician to detect potential heart issues at an early stage. Early identification and treatment can dramatically improve cardiovascular health and quality of life.

Implementing these lifestyle adjustments can greatly lower your chances of developing heart issues that could result in heart murmurs.

How are heart murmurs diagnosed? 

To check for a heart murmur, your doctor will listen to your heart using a stethoscope. If an abnormal murmur is suspected, further tests may be recommended, including:

• Chest X-ray: Helps determine if the heart muscle is enlarged.

• ECG (Electrocardiogram): Measures the heart’s rhythm, rate, and electrical activity.

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound scan that examines the heart’s structure and valves for any issues.

Treatment of heart murmurs

Innocent heart murmurs typically don’t require treatment. However, if a murmur is linked to an underlying heart condition or another health issue, treating the cause may be necessary.

There are various treatment options for heart conditions, and your doctor will determine if you need any intervention. Certain medications and/or surgical intervention are the possible treatment options. You healthcare provider will discuss the available options, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalised treatment plan.

Even if there’s no underlying heart condition, treatments may still be recommended to help manage any symptoms associated with your heart murmur.

Hand to the heart

A cardiac murmur is an additional sound noticed while listening to your heart. It could be an innocuous variation or an indicator of an underlying heart issue. Grasping the reasons, signs, and treatment methods for heart murmurs is essential for preserving optimal heart health.

While many heart murmurs are harmless, particularly in youngsters, some can indicate significant heart diseases. If you experience symptoms associated with heart murmurs, including shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, or fluttering in the chest, consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding dangerous behaviours will drastically minimise your risk of developing cardiac diseases that can result in heart murmurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes heart murmurs?

Heart murmurs are often caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart. This can be due to various factors, including valve disorders, congenital heart defects, or increased blood flow.

2. Can a heart murmur be cured?

Whether a heart murmur can be cured depends on the underlying cause. Innocent heart murmurs often resolve on their own. Nevertheless, organic heart murmurs resulting from underlying heart issues might necessitate medical treatment, which could include surgery or medication.

3. Is a heart murmur caused by stress?

While stress can contribute to various health problems, it's not a direct cause of heart murmurs. However, chronic stress can indirectly affect heart health by increasing blood pressure and heart rate, which may exacerbate existing heart conditions.

4. Are heart murmurs permanent?

It depends on the underlying cause. Innocent heart murmurs are often temporary and resolve as the heart matures. Organic heart murmurs, on the other hand, may be permanent, especially if they're caused by structural heart defects.

5. Can heart murmurs be temporary?

Yes, innocent heart murmurs, which are common in children, are often temporary and resolve on their own as the heart matures.

6. What is good for heart murmurs?

A healthy lifestyle is beneficial for overall heart health, including for individuals with heart murmurs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress levels, and avoiding smoking and heavy drinking.

7. Is walking good for heart murmurs?

Yes, walking is a great form of exercise for people with heart murmurs. It helps improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and manage symptoms associated with heart conditions.