Hearth Murmur or Harsh Murmur Fact Check

A heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound heard during a heartbeat. The sound is caused by turbulent (rough) blood flow through the heart valves or near the heart.

The familiar ‘lub-dub’ sound of the heartbeat is caused by the rhythmic closing of the heart valves as blood is pumped in and out of the chambers. A heart murmur is a sound caused by blood flow within the heart. Instead of ‘lub-dub’, ...

A heart murmur is an irregular sound heard when listening to the heart. Some heart murmurs are a sign of a heart condition, but others are not.

Cardiac auscultation is an essential physical exam tool for providers. Comprehension of anatomy, physiology, and underlying physics, with mastery of physical examination, can uncover many potential pathologies and prevent serious complications. In trained individuals, sensitivity and specificity for murmurs can reach 70% and 98%, respectively[1]. Since early detection of cardiac murmurs can be essential to reducing morbidity and mortality, healthcare providers should master these murmurs and their common etiologies.

In his 1942 textbook, Hope says “murmurs from these causes may easily be distinguished from that of valvular disease…” As the 20th century approached, it became more common knowledge among the medical community that healthy children and adolescents may have murmurs and gallops on physical exam that have no pathologic significance, especially in the asymptomatic patient. [1] The same physical and physiological principles responsible for pathologic heart murmurs are responsible for innocent heart murmurs.

A heart murmur is defined as the audible turbulence of blood flow through the heart or major vessels, which can be normal or indicative of underlying cardiac conditions. AI generated definition based on: Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis: Common Diseases and their Mimics (Second Edition), ...

There are multiple theories proposed to identify etiology of innocent heart murmur with varying consensus, but everybody agrees that innocent heart murmur does not carry any morbidity or mortality risk. Even today, heart murmur is associated with high physician uncertainty and parental anxiety.

An irregular heart sound may be harmless or worrisome. Know the causes of heart murmurs and when treatment is needed.

They are not linked to medical or heart conditions and do not need treatment or lifestyle changes. But there are exceptions. Murmurs can be linked to a damaged or overworked heart valve. Some people are born with valve problems.