The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Heart Murmur

A sound detected with a stethoscope that is produced by turbulent blood flow through the heart.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is a sound detected with a stethoscope that is produced by turbulent blood flow through the heart due to valve abnormalities or structural defects such as a hole. Not every murmur indicates heart disease.

Innocent (functional) murmurs occur in the absence of structural disease. They may be heard with anemia, pregnancy, fever, or after intense exercise and are benign. Organic murmurs are linked to mitral or aortic valve disease, congenital defects, or cardiomyopathies.

The clinical importance of a murmur is evaluated together with any associated symptoms, echocardiographic findings, and the patient's overall condition.

Symptoms

The murmur itself is not a symptom but a physical-examination finding
In functional murmurs there are no other symptoms
With organic murmurs: shortness of breath
Fatigue and exercise intolerance
Palpitations and irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting (significant in aortic stenosis)
Leg swelling (in advanced valvular insufficiency)

Risk Factors

Prior rheumatic fever
Congenital heart anomalies
Advanced age and valvular calcification
History of infective endocarditis
Connective tissue disorders
Anemia or thyrotoxicosis (can cause functional murmurs)
Pregnancy (may produce a transient functional murmur)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For cardiology referral and echocardiography if the physician detects a murmur
  • If shortness of breath, fatigue, or palpitations accompany the murmur
  • For urgent assessment if the murmur is associated with fainting
  • For pediatric murmurs noted during school health screening
  • Pre-pregnancy cardiology evaluation for women with known valvular disease

Treatment Methods

01
Functional murmurs require no specific treatment; anemia or thyroid issues are treated
02
Regular echocardiographic follow-up in mild organic valve disease
03
Medical therapy for symptomatic or severe valve disease
04
Balloon valvuloplasty (in selected types of stenosis)
05
Valve repair or prosthetic valve replacement when appropriate
06
Antibiotic prophylaxis against infection (before certain dental procedures)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Kardiyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Kardiyoloji

Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

Kardiyoloji

Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

Kardiyoloji

Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Kardiyoloji

A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

Kardiyoloji

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

Kardiyoloji

Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

Kardiyoloji

Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

Kardiyoloji

Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.