About-Cardio
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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.
Heart Murmur Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Introduction
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that can be heard when a doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope. It is often described as a whooshing or swishing sound. While some heart murmurs are harmless (innocent murmurs), others may indicate an underlying heart condition.
Common Symptoms of Heart Murmurs
Heart murmurs themselves do not always cause symptoms, but when they are associated with underlying heart disease, they can lead to:
1. Shortness of Breath
- Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or at rest.
- May indicate a problem with heart valves or heart function.
2. Chest Pain or Discomfort
- Can be a sign of valve disorders or cardiac strain.
- Requires medical evaluation if persistent.
3. Fatigue
- Feeling excessively tired or weak, even with normal activities.
- Suggests inefficient blood circulation due to valve problems.
4. Dizziness or Fainting (Syncope)
- May occur due to poor blood flow to the brain.
- Can be associated with serious heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis.
5. Swelling in the Legs, Feet, or Abdomen (Edema)
- Occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup.
6. Bluish or Pale Skin (Cyanosis)
- Indicates insufficient oxygen supply, often seen in congenital heart defects.
7. Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
- Can be felt as palpitations, skipped beats, or a racing heart.
When to See a Doctor
While some heart murmurs are harmless, you should see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Diagnostic tests such as echocardiography or an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be needed to determine the cause.
Conclusion
Heart murmurs can be harmless or a sign of a serious condition. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking medical advice is essential for proper management and treatment.
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/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
- https://www.heart.org/
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!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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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.