Heart Murmur
An unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, sometimes indicating an underlying heart valve problem that needs evaluation.
Symptoms to Watch For
What It Is
Heart murmurs are sounds made by the blood flowing abnormally across the heart valves. They can range from harmless to serious conditions requiring medical attention, and they produce swishing or whooshing sounds.
Benign Causes
Benign causes that make the heart beat faster include anemia (low red blood cell levels), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, and fever from infection or inflammation.
Severe Causes
Severe causes involve structural heart problems, including aortic or mitral valve issues, pulmonary regurgitation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, or pulmonary valve stenosis.
Medications
We may prescribe medications that reduce fluid retention, lower blood pressure, and regulate heart rate, including diuretics, anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers.
Lifestyle Modifications
Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management can reduce the impact of heart murmurs on daily life.
Surgery
For severe or congenital defects, options include valve repair or replacement, septal defect closure, or coronary artery bypass grafting.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether it's a routine checkup or a second opinion, our team is here to help. Same-day appointments available at all three locations.