What Should You Know About Heart Murmurs?
Published: July 10, 2018 | 12:53 AM
Meet Dr. Dinesh Nair – the heart whisperer at Mount Elizabeth Hospitals
He’s keen on telling you when a whirring “wheeze” from your pulse isn’t just a fun quirk but a sign that you might need a quick medical check‑up.
What’s a Heart Murmur Anyway?
- A murmur is basically a weird sound you catch on a stethoscope during your heart’s activity.
- During the systolic phase, the left ventricle pushes blood out; that’s the “boom” part of the beat.
- During the diastolic phase, the same ventricle relaxes and fills up – the “ʬ” part, sometimes a muffled beat.
Most Murmurs = No Problem
Believe it or not, most are harmless, like background noise at a café. But a few can be the alarm bell for something more serious.
When a Murmur Should Get Your Attention
- Sounds louder than a normal “lub‑dub” – think a whoosh or swish that’s off‑beat.
- Harms normal blood flow or indicates holes or leaky valves in the heart.
- Found in specific spots such as the chest’s apex or even at the neck.
Why a Cardiologist is Key
Deciding if a murmur deserves a quick visit can be tricky – that’s why Dr. Nair’s expertise and hands‑on assessment are golden.
Bottom line: Most murmurs are just a harmless soundtrack of your heart. If it sounds too loud or out of rhythm, a professional diagnosis ensures you’re on the right track.
Types of heart murmurs
Heart Murmurs 101: A Friendly Guide
Ever noticed your heart giving you a little tune while you’re in a quiet room? That’s a murmur—a sound that’s normal for some people, but not always. Here’s a quick, conversational rundown of what’s going on.
Two Main Types of Murmurs
- Physiological (or “flow”) murmurs: These are the harmless, everyday tunes. Think of them as the wind blowing through a leaf. They often pop up when your body’s in a state of excitement or change, like:
- Pregnancy (your heart’s working overtime).
- Overactive thyroid (the metabolism is running on full throttle).
- Fever or high blood pressure (the body’s wellness alarm is blaring).
They’re usually not a big concern and tend to fade once the underlying condition settles down.
- Secondary (or “abnormal”) murmurs: These can be a bit more concerning. They’re typically the result of previous health hiccups that left their mark on the heart. Common culprits include:
- Bacterial bloodstream infections – like a tiny rogue army that didn’t fully leave.
- Rheumatic fever – the aftermath of a sore throat that bounced back.
- Age‑related wear and tear: Your valves get a little shaky as you get older.
- Enlarged heart: The big workhorse gets stretched and can start humming oddly.
What About the Kids?
In newborns, it’s not uncommon for a tiny hole in the heart to appear—think of it as a small window that usually closes itself. If it stays open, that’s a congenital heart defect. These defects can range from a teeny‑tiny fuss to a major headache that needs medical attention.
Adult Murmurs: The Valve Story
When you’re an adult, most abnormal murmurs come from conditions that mess with the heart’s valves. Think of the valves like a set of doors that open and close smoothly. When they start acting up, a murmur can sneak in.
Bottom Line
In most cases, a murmur is just a harmless tune in your heart’s symphony. Any change in heart sound should be checked by a medical professional, but a lot of times, it’s nothing to worry about. If you’re unsure, it never hurts to have a quick check‑up—no harm in keeping an extra ear on your own music!
When to seek treatment?
Heart Murmurs: From Quiet Whispers to Loud Screams
Heart murmurs can be a bit of a mixed bag. Most people with one won’t feel anything at all—just a subtle hum in their chest. But some folks hear the louder side: chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sudden sweat bursts, even when they’re barely moving.
Triggering Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Chest pain that feels like a tight band around your chest
- Shortness of breath that hits you out of left field
- Dizziness—like the room’s spinning without any real cause
- Excessive sweating, even when you’re just standing still
Why You Need a Cardiologist Call-Up
If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms, it’s time to dial your cardiologist. Bring up any health history or family patterns you’re aware of—these can be key clues in pinning down whether the murmur needs urgent attention.
Steps After the Evaluation
- Doctor confirms if it’s a benign noise or something that’ll need treatment
- They’ll outline a plan—whether that means watchful waiting or a more active intervention
- Regular follow‑ups keep the murmur—and your heart—happy and healthy
Bottom line: A heart murmur alone is often no big deal, but keep an eye (and an ear) on those red flags. Your cardiologist is your best ally in sorting out what’s calm and what’s chronic.
How are heart murmurs evaluated?
Ready to Dive into Your Heart’s Secrets?
Picture this: your cardiologist is about to pull out a trusty tool called an echocardiogram—the heart’s very own 3‑D selfie—to check out those pesky murmurs. Is it just the body doing the “vibrations,” or something more sinister? That’s where the magic reveals itself.
Step One – Echo, Echo, Echo!
- Echo: Think of it like a crystal ball that tells you whether those hums are normal or pointing to deeper issues.
- If the echo says “you’ve got a mystery,” the cardiologist will roll out the next trump cards.
The Double‑Shot: ECG & Chest X‑Ray
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): This is your heart’s personal DJ, remixing rhythms to spot any funky beats or a swollen groove—aka an enlarged heart.
- Chest X‑Ray: It gives a panoramic view, letting us see if those murmurs are making the heart bulge like a pufferfish.
If Things Get “Tangled,” We Bring in the Catheter
When it comes to exhaustively probing the heart’s whispers, a cardiac catheterisation might join the party. Imagine a tiny, flexible straw zooming into your veins or arteries—super‑fluoroscopic! It helps gather hard‑nosed numbers and unlock the “why” behind the murmur.
What’s Next?
After all these assessments, your cardiologist will piece together the clues and tell you exactly what your heart is up to—and if any adjustments, like medicine changes or lifestyle tweaks, are in order.
So, buckle up! Your heart’s diagnostic journey is about to become a clear, confident, and hopefully slightly entertaining adventure.
How is treatment carried out?
What Happens After You’ve Got Your Heart Murmur Diagnosis
Once your cardiologist pinpoints what’s causing that extra noise in your chest, they’ll usually suggest a trio of options: blood tests, medications, or a surgical fix.
When a Valve’s the Culprit
If the murmur originates from a worn‑out or damaged valve, the doctor might say, “Let’s get it screwed right.” That could mean a classic open‑heart repair or a modern minimally invasive procedure that leaves you with nothing more than a tiny scar, if any.
Enter the “TAVI” Hero
Tech has stepped in with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). Think of it as a snazzy shortcut—no full‑scale surgery, just a small tube that slides into place. The results? Pretty impressive.
Closing Holes Without the Heavy Hand
Heart holes, whether big or small, can also be sealed using either open or less invasive methods, giving you relief without the extended recovery.
How Cardiologists Map Your Next Move
- Reassurance only — In many cases, no action is needed. A calm stance will keep your heart humming.
- Updated tech — If intervention is required, modern diagnostics and treatments will be the go‑to.
Heart Treatment Options You Should Know
With a solid insurance plan in play—think Medisave, MediShield Life, or an Integrated Shield Plan—you can get a clearer picture of your out‑of‑pocket bill. Mount Elizabeth Hospitals is ready to walk you through every claim detail.
Ready for Peace of Mind?
Chat with one of our heart experts today or dive into our guide on filing insurance claims to cover hospital expenses. Because peace of mind starts with knowing the right steps to take.
