Heart Murmur

The term heart murmur simply means a noise or sound which is heard in the heart. It doesn't by any means imply that there is a problem with the heart.

Many people believe that the term heart murmur refers to a defect or abnormality with the heart. In reality, this is not the case. The term murmur simply means a noise or sound. Therefore, the term heart murmur simply means a noise or sound which is heard in the heart. It doesn't by any means imply that there is a problem with the heart.

There are many different types of heart murmurs. Some murmurs are sounds which are produced by defects or abnormalities with the heart. For example, a defective valve that doesn't open properly might produce a heart murmur as the blood flows past it.

On the other hand, many heart murmurs are termed innocent or functional murmurs. This implies that there is no problem whatsoever with the heart, and that the murmur or sound is simply being produced by the normal flow of blood through the heart. Fortunately, the majority of murmurs heard in young people are often innocent!

An easy way to think about an innocent murmur is to compare it to water that flows out of a faucet. Almost any faucet will make some noise as water flows from it. Some faucets make louder noises than others. However, just because one faucet is louder than another, this doesn't mean that there is a problem with that faucet! Likewise, when blood (a liquid) flows through the heart, in some children it may make a louder noise than in other children, despite the fact that the heart is perfectly normal.

Often times an innocent murmur can be identified simply by listening. Many innocent murmurs have very typical sounds which can easily be identified by a doctor with an experienced ear. Occasionally further testing might be necessary. This might include an echocardiogram to evaluate the structure of the heart and look closely at the valves and walls of the heart.

Once a heart murmur is determined to be innocent, then one can rest assured that the heart is completely normal. Since the heart is normal, no special restrictions or precautions are needed. Often times there are questions as to whether antibiotics are needed before dental work. This precaution is only reserved for those people who have heart murmurs due to actual heart defects. Likewise, since the heart is normal, there is no need for any restrictions with sports or athletics. A person with an innocent heart murmur is not at any increased risk for heart related problems in the future.

Just as an innocent murmur may appear at any age out of the blue, often it will disappear with time. However, it is possible for an individual to have the same innocent heart murmur for a lifetime. In the end, whether or not the murmur disappears is not important. The important thing to remember with innocent murmurs is that the heart is completely normal!