/sc-assets/prd/practices/f260d3e2-615b-4e5b-a85a-ee4ed367d1b4/x0RMf5f1flG1eqmytJ1rYpd7YyZ_0K7Zs0ke4nuJveovZ-tByBQp5ylNVgoKjspjeIf_eYmFhX7xYfHBJIIiYfo9KPnblDsY.jpeg)
/assets/production/practices/3761766c057b8abc5ea4903a3a63a77191e00719/images/2427160.jpg)
About Murmur
A murmur is characterized by a swishing or whooshing sound as blood flows through your heart valves and may indicate an underlying medical condition. If you have a murmur, the skilled cardiologists at HeartPlace provide comprehensive evaluations at their 30 locations across North Texas to find the underlying cause. To schedule an evaluation with the top-rated cardiologists in North Texas, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.
Murmur Q & A
What is a murmur?
A murmur, or heart murmur, refers to a swishing or whooshing sound made by turbulent blood flow around or through the valves in your heart.
A heart murmur may be innocent or abnormal.
Innocent murmur
An innocent heart murmur develops without any underlying cause. These types of murmurs usually occur during childhood or pregnancy.
Abnormal murmur
An abnormal murmur is caused by an underlying health condition.
Whether your murmur is innocent or abnormal, you need an evaluation to ensure there’s nothing wrong with your heart. HeartPlace is a physician-owned cardiology group providing evaluation and comprehensive cardiac care.
What causes a murmur?
A murmur may develop from an underlying heart problem or medical condition. Common causes of a murmur include:
- Holes in the heart
- Valvular heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Valve calcification
- Valve infection (endocarditis)
- Rheumatic fever
- Anemia
- Hypothyroidism
If you have an abnormal heart murmur, you may develop other signs and symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. However, you’re unlikely to have these types of symptoms with an innocent heart murmur.
What happens during a murmur evaluation?
When you visit HeartPlace for a murmur evaluation, you can expect a patient-focused and comprehensive exam. The state-of-the-art practice offers thorough testing to find the underlying cause of the abnormal swishing sound.
Your provider reviews your symptoms and medical and family history, listens to your heart, and performs a physical exam. To find the underlying cause of your murmur, in addition to bloodwork, your cardiologist may run tests such as:
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac catheterization
Your doctor lets you know which tests you may need.
How is a murmur treated?
Treatment for a heart murmur depends on the underlying cause. Your provider at HeartPlace customizes your plan, addressing the root cause of your murmur for improved heart health.
Treatment may include blood thinners to prevent blood clots or medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol. When appropriate, your cardiologist at HeartPlace may recommend surgery to correct the heart issue, such as a procedure to treat a valvular disease.
No matter the cause, HeartPlace schedules regular follow-up visits to monitor your heart health and your murmur.
Call HeartPlace or schedule your murmur consultation online today.