A heart murmur is characterized by unusual sounds heard on auscultation. It is often discovered incidentally.
A heart murmur translates to “abnormal” or “unusual” sounds during auscultation of the heart. Is it serious to have a heart murmur? What are the symptoms of a heart murmur? What are the causes ? How to treat it? Should we stop the sport while waiting for recovery?
What is the definition of a heart murmur?
The heart murmur or heart murmur is related to the existence of turbulence occurring during the flow of blood to the heart and testifies to a insufficiency of valve closure mitrals. It results in the occurrence of a abnormal sound during auscultation cardiac. It can be inorganic, that is to say physiological and in no way prejudges a cardiac pathology, responsible for any consequence on the functioning of the heart. Sometimes it can be thee witness of the passage of blood through a narrowed heart valvewitness of a valvular insufficiency. Another reason besides shrinkage is a blood leak when the valve is closed, testifying to liquid reflux and reflecting valvular insufficiency.
What are the symptoms of a heart murmur?
“Most of the time, a heart murmur is accidentally discovered during heart auscultation. In the event of a more significant attack, it is difficulty breathing which is the main symptom of valvular insufficiency or valvular stenosis responsible for a murmur”explains Dr. Marc Druet, general practitioner
What causes a heart murmur in adults?
“The main causes of a heart murmur are a heart valve aging which will harden or on the contrary expand, thus causing insufficiency or shrinkage. Certain infectious diseases, such as endocarditis which will damage the valve and cause valvular insufficiency, can also explain it”, emphasizes the general practitioner.
What are the causes of a heart murmur in children?
The appearance of a heart murmur in children is a fairly common and often benign situation. It often occurs from the age of 2 and in the pre-pubertal period. This type of murmur is part of what is called functional disorders. It can be linked to a congenital heart defect and in this case require care and a complete cardiovascular assessment. In all cases, it is essential to take the advice of your doctor.
What is a functional heart murmur?
It is said to be functional when it is not associated with any cardiac pathology. It results from the acceleration of the blood supply to the heart. Pregnancy, anemia, or hyperthyroidism can cause a functional heart murmur. It is asymptomatic and is often discovered by chance. Although it is benign, it should be closely monitored by the doctor to prevent complications.
What is a systolic murmur?
This breath results in a noise appearing during the contraction of the heart, also called systole. Most often, it corresponds to mitral insufficiency, a narrowing of the aortic valve or the pulmonary valve.
What is a diastolic murmur?
It is present during a reflux of blood at the time of diastole (filling of the heart). This noise is noticeable during a narrowing of the mitral mitral valve.
What is an anemic murmur?
This murmur is noticeable and present in patients with anemia.
What are the complications of a heart murmur?
“The main consequence of valvular dysfunction is heart failure or poor oxygenation of the body, which can lead to syncope during aortic stenosis”, observes Dr. Marc Druet.
In the event of a heart murmur, a cardiac ultrasound coupled with a doppler allows the study of the heart chambers and their functioning. The blood flows through the valves of the heart and the heart chambers are analyzed as well as the structure of the heart in order to detect possible heart diseases.
“When the impact of the valve anomaly becomes too great, the only treatment is to replace the defective valve. It is important to treat a patient with a heart murmur with antibiotics during dental care to avoid valve infection. (endocarditis)”, inform the general practitioner.
What sports to avoid?
“Physical activity is not advised against for patients suffering from a moderate heart murmur which does not affect the proper functioning of the heart”, reassures Dr. Marc Druet.
Thanks to Dr Marc Druet, general practitioner.