A heart murmur is a sound heard during the heartbeat cycle that differs from the typical “lub-dub” pattern. It is detected when blood flows through the heart in a way that produces vibration. Some murmurs are linked to normal variations in circulation, while others relate to structural changes in the heart. Here is some information about heart murmurs and how they are diagnosed:
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur refers to an extra or unusual sound heard between heartbeats when a doctor listens with a stethoscope. As blood moves through the heart’s valves, it creates a whooshing noise that occurs at specific points in the heartbeat cycle. Murmurs are generally categorized as systolic, diastolic, or continuous, depending on when they occur. Systolic murmurs appear during contraction of the heart, while diastolic murmurs occur during relaxation. Continuous murmurs persist throughout the cardiac cycle.
What Causes It?
Many factors may lead to a heart murmur. In some people, the cause is normal blood flow through a healthy heart. In others, the murmur comes from a structural issue that affects how blood moves through the heart chambers or valves. Some conditions include:
- Valve stenosis: A heart valve becomes stiff or narrowed, and this makes it harder for the heart to pump blood through it.
- Valve regurgitation: This occurs when blood leaks backward through a valve that does not close fully, altering normal flow patterns.
- Congenital heart variations: Some people are born with structural heart differences, such as small holes or valve issues, that can cause a murmur.
- Age-related valve thickening: Over time, heart valves can thicken and become less flexible, which may lead to a murmur.
How Are They Diagnosed?
Doctors use a variety of tools and methods to determine the cause and significance of a heart murmur. They often begin with listening to the heart using a stethoscope during a clinical examination. The timing, pitch, and location of the sound provide initial data about the murmur pattern. A clinician may document whether the sound changes with body position or breathing.
Imaging tests help evaluate heart structure and function, which supports the diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions. Echocardiography uses ultrasound imaging to view heart structures and blood movement in real time. Doppler techniques track flow direction across valves, and they measure blood velocity. An electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity and may reveal rhythm changes associated with underlying conditions.
Findings guide interpretation because they show whether the murmur aligns with normal variation or structural heart changes. Results vary depending on individual cardiac characteristics and associated medical history. Clinicians review the imaging results, and they compare them with physical examination findings. This process helps confirm accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up care.
Visit a Cardiologist
A heart murmur is a finding that requires structured evaluation rather than interpretation based on sound alone. Clinical examination and imaging tests provide clarity about its origin and characteristics. Diagnostic pathways differ based on age, symptoms, and physical findings. A cardiology evaluation provides a focused assessment using stethoscope examination, echocardiography, and related cardiac tests. Early documentation of heart sounds supports accurate tracking, and follow-up may be arranged based on test results. Contact a cardiologist today to schedule an evaluation.
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