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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Cardiac Murmurs
Introduction
A cardiac murmur is an abnormal sound heard between heartbeats using a stethoscope. It is caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart or blood vessels. Murmurs are commonly classified as innocent (harmless) or pathological (indicative of underlying heart disease).
Causes of Cardiac Murmurs
Murmurs can be caused by: - Innocent Murmurs: These occur in healthy individuals, especially in children or young adults, and do not indicate heart disease. - Valvular Heart Diseases: Conditions like aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, or mitral stenosis can produce murmurs. - Congenital Heart Defects: Defects such as septal defects (holes in the heart) or valve abnormalities cause murmurs from birth. - Infections and Diseases: Endocarditis (infection of heart valves) or rheumatic fever can lead to abnormal heart murmurs. - Other Conditions: High blood pressure, anemia, or hyperthyroidism can also contribute to murmurs.
Diagnosis of Cardiac Murmurs
A doctor will diagnose a murmur through: 1. Auscultation (Listening with a Stethoscope): Determining the type, timing, and intensity of the murmur. 2. Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound): Used to visualize valve function and blood flow. 3. Electrocardiogram (ECG): Assesses heart rhythm. 4. Chest X-ray: Helps evaluate heart size and lung condition.
Should You Be Concerned?
- Innocent murmurs require no treatment and are harmless.
- Pathological murmurs need further evaluation and could indicate serious conditions.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause: - No Treatment Needed for innocent murmurs. - Medication for high blood pressure, infections, or heart failure. - Valve Repair or Replacement in severe valvular disease. - Surgery for Congenital Heart Defects.
Conclusion
If you or your doctor notice a cardiac murmur, it’s important to determine whether it is innocent or pathological. Regular check-ups and proper diagnosis are crucial. Always discuss concerns with a cardiologist to ensure proper heart health.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Murmurs
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-murmurs
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/innocent-heart-murmur
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Valvular Heart Disease
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Valvular-Heart-Disease-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/7/561/6358470
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34453165/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000923
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17259184/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.