If you’ve recently been told you have a heart murmur, you might be wondering what it means and whether you should be concerned. A heart murmur isn’t a diagnosis – it’s a sound your provider hears through a stethoscope that may or may not signal an underlying condition. But what is a heart murmur, and what symptoms should you be aware of?
If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness or shortness of breath, it’s important to make an appointment with your cardiologist. Our cardiology team can evaluate your symptoms and keep your heart healthy.
What is a heart murmur?
A heart murmur is an extra whooshing or swishing sound your provider hears during a heartbeat. These sounds happen when blood moves through the heart in a way that creates turbulence.
Some murmurs are called innocent – meaning they’re harmless and not caused by disease. Others are abnormal, which may point to a structural problem such as a heart valve problem.
Many murmurs can resolve on their own, especially in children, and may not cause symptoms at all. But abnormal murmurs can produce noticeable signs that deserve attention.
Heart murmur symptoms
While some heart murmurs cause no symptoms, an abnormal murmur may be accompanied by:
- Chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Abdominal or leg swelling
These symptoms may signal that your heart is working harder than it should and should be evaluated by a provider.
What causes a heart murmur?
Heart murmurs typically fall into two categories:
Innocent (harmless) murmurs
These can occur when blood flows more quickly than usual. Common causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Fever
- Anemia
- Exercise
- Growth spurts in children
Innocent heart murmurs don’t indicate heart disease and often require no treatment.
Abnormal murmurs
Abnormal heart murmurs may result from:
- Heart valve abnormalities (such as stenosis or regurgitation)
- Congenital heart defects
- Infections like endocarditis
- Aging-related changes in the heart
Because abnormal murmurs can relate to structural issues, they often require follow‑up testing and treatment.
When is a heart murmur serious?
Most murmurs are not dangerous, but certain symptoms can be red flags. Seek medical evaluation if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Passing out
- Difficulty exercising
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Many of these symptoms indicate the heart may not be pumping effectively. Early diagnosis can prevent complications.
How are heart murmurs diagnosed?
If your provider hears a murmur, your cardiologist may recommend additional tests such as:
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Chest X‑ray
- Stress test
These tests help determine whether the murmur is innocent or related to a heart condition.
How are heart murmurs treated?
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Innocent murmurs: No treatment needed.
- Valve‑related murmurs: Medications, lifestyle changes or surgery may be recommended.
- Murmurs from infections: Antibiotics may be required.
- Congenital conditions: Some may resolve naturally, while others may need surgical repair.
Your cardiologist will guide you through the most appropriate approach.
How we can help
Heart murmurs can be harmless – but when they cause symptoms, they can also be a sign of a more serious cardiac condition.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been told you have a murmur, make an appointment with your cardiologist. We offer comprehensive cardiology services, including diagnostics, heart imaging and surgical care to treat your condition if necessary.
Learn about the heart and vascular services we offer at Mercy Health.
