Heart Murmurs: What They Are & When to Worry

Heart murmurs are sounds that can affect people of all ages, from infants to adults. While they may sound alarming, understanding what these unusual heartbeats mean is key to knowing when they're a harmless variation or a sign of something more serious.

What is a heart murmur? 

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard between the normal "lub-dub" of the heartbeat. These sounds are often described as swishing, rushing, or whooshing and occur when blood flows turbulently through the heart. This can happen due to structural abnormalities, valve problems, or other issues within the heart.

Types of heart sounds

Heart murmurs are classified based on when they occur in the heartbeat cycle. Here’s a breakdown:

• Systolic murmurs: These happen when the heart muscle contracts (or tightens). Systolic murmurs are the most common type, and in children, they are often harmless, disappearing as the heart develops.

• Diastolic murmurs: These occur when the heart muscle relaxes. Diastolic murmurs are less common and are more likely to be associated with underlying heart issues.

• Continuous murmurs: These happen throughout both the contraction and relaxation phases of the heartbeat. Like diastolic murmurs, continuous murmurs are more often linked to heart conditions that need medical attention.

When to be concerned

While murmurs in children often resolve naturally as the heart matures, murmurs in adults are more likely to point to underlying heart conditions, such as valve dysfunction or heart disease. Even though many murmurs are benign, proper medical evaluation is crucial to identify the cause and determine whether treatment is necessary.

Key takeaway

Heart murmurs are not always a cause for concern, but it’s important to monitor them, especially in adults. If you notice unusual heart sounds or experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical advice to rule out any serious conditions.