Types of Heart Murmurs

About Heart Murmurs

The heart is like a big building with rooms (or chambers) and hallways (or valves). It pumps blood to different parts of the body to keep you alive.

There are several different types of heart murmurs and they are caused by a wide range of problems. Some are harmless and do not need treatment, while others can be signs of serious heart disease.

Congenital defects: During the development of a baby in the womb, a problem with one of the valves or the walls of a heart may develop. These abnormalities can cause a murmur during the child’s lifetime.

Leaky heart valve: A damaged heart valve that does not close tightly at the right time during a heartbeat cycle can let some blood backward through the heart, which causes a sound called a murmur.

Increased flow: In certain high-output states, such as anemia or thyrotoxicosis, increased blood flow through a normal heart valve results in turbulence that can produce a murmur.

Innocent murmurs: Many children and adults have innocent heart murmurs that are not dangerous and do not need treatment.

Medical alert They usually disappear as your child grows up and reach puberty.

Non-innocent murmurs: Some adults and some children have non-innocent heart murmurs that are caused by a range of health conditions, such as anaemia and hyperthyroidism.

A doctor will first listen to your heart with a stethoscope during a physical examination. They will assess the volume, pitch, location, timing and length of the murmur to help figure out what is causing it. They may also recommend tests to check for underlying heart problems. These tests include a chest x-ray and cardiac catheterisation.