Definition:
Murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that may cause as a result of turbulent blood flow, which is sufficient to produce audible noise. This usual results from narrowing or leaking of valves or the presence of abnormal passages through which blood flows in or near the heart. Murmurs are not common part of the normal cardiac physiology and thus warrant further investigations.
Diagnosis:
Doctors use a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds and hear murmurs. They usually notice innocent heart murmurs during routine checkups or physical exams.
Treatment:
Healthy children with innocent murmurs do not need treatment because they have a normal heart. If your child has an innocent murmur, consult your pediatrician during regular checkups. Pregnant women with innocent murmurs due to increased blood volume do not need treatment.
Symptoms and Signs:
Most people with heart murmurs do not have any other signs and symptoms of a heart problem. The murmur is commonly innocent (harmless).
Causes:
Innocent murmurs are heard when blood moves noisily through a normal heart. Occasionally these murmurs occur when:
Blood is flowing faster than usual through the heart and blood vessels attached to the heart.
The most usual cause of abnormal murmurs is congenital heart defects. Congenital heart defects happen when the heart, heart valves, or blood vessels attached to the heart do not develop normally before a baby is born.
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