What Is a Heart Murmur and Should You Be Worried?

Key Takeaways

• A heart murmur refers to a sound created by turbulent blood flow in or around the heart.
• Some murmurs are harmless, while others may indicate underlying structural or functional issues.
• Watch out for key warning signs, such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Tests such as ECG and echocardiography help determine the cause and severity of a murmur.

Introduction

For many people, hearing the term “heart murmur” for the first time can be unsettling. It is natural to wonder whether this means something is wrong with your heart or whether it signals a serious condition. In reality, not every murmur suggests illness. Some are temporary or benign, while others may indicate changes in the valves or heart chambers that should be evaluated. Understanding what a murmur means—and when to pay closer attention—can help you make informed decisions about your heart health.

What Exactly Is a Heart Murmur?

A murmur is an extra sound heard during a heartbeat, typically described as a whooshing or swishing noise. It occurs when blood flows more turbulently than usual through the heart or nearby vessels. Doctors usually detect murmurs during routine physical examinations using a stethoscope.

Murmurs fall into two broad categories:

• Innocent murmurs: These are harmless and usually do not cause symptoms. They can appear when blood flow increases temporarily, such as during fever, pregnancy, or exercise.
• Abnormal heart murmur: This type is associated with underlying conditions that may require closer evaluation.

Common Causes of Heart Murmurs

Causes of Innocent Murmurs

Innocent or functional murmurs occur even when the heart is structurally normal. They are common in children and young adults. Temporary increases in blood flow from factors like high fever, anaemia, or physical activity may also lead to these sounds.

Causes of Abnormal Murmurs

Abnormal murmurs may be associated with changes in the heart structure or function. These include:

• Valve narrowing (stenosis)
• Valve leakage (regurgitation)
• Congenital heart defects that are present from birth

Other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or thyroid disorders, may also affect how blood flows through the heart.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Many murmurs cause no symptoms at all, especially those discovered in childhood. However, certain warning signs may indicate that you need further assessment.

Symptoms of a heart murmur in adults include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fatigue that affects daily activities
• Swelling in the legs or ankles

If your doctor identifies a heart murmur, they may recommend diagnostic tests to understand its cause and whether it requires monitoring or treatment.

How Doctors Test for a Heart Murmur

Here’s what you can expect when you visit a heart specialist for your condition:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG test records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps identify irregular heart rhythms or signs that the heart may be under strain. 

• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan that creates moving images of the heart. It allows the doctor to assess the heart valves, chambers, and blood flow in detail. 

• Additional Tests: In some cases, your doctor may recommend blood tests or chest X-rays to evaluate conditions such as anaemia, thyroid issues, or lung-related factors that may affect how the heart functions.

Have Questions About Your Heart Health? Start Here

A heart murmur can sound worrying, but not all murmurs indicate heart disease. Some are harmless and require only periodic monitoring, while others may be associated with structural changes in the heart that benefit from early evaluation. 

If you experience symptoms or suspect a murmur, consider speaking to Dr Leslie Tay, a cardiologist in Singapore. With experience in interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging, he provides clear, structured assessments and helps craft an appropriate plan for further evaluation or monitoring based on your individual needs.

Book an appointment with Dr Leslie Tay today.