Heart murmurs are extra or unusual sounds heard during a heartbeat. Are you curious about what a heart murmur sounds like? streetsounds.net is here to help you understand these sounds, their causes, and what they might mean for your health, offering a comprehensive guide to heart murmur sounds. This knowledge can empower you to recognize and understand these sounds, ensuring better heart health and peace of mind.
1. What is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an additional or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat. Instead of the typical “lub-dub” sound, a murmur might sound like a whooshing, blowing, or rasping noise. These sounds can vary in loudness, pitch, and duration.
A heart murmur isn’t a disease itself, but rather an indicator of a potential underlying heart condition. It’s like a clue that something might need further investigation. Understanding what a heart murmur sounds like is the first step in recognizing and addressing any potential heart issues.
1.1 What Causes Heart Murmurs?
Heart murmurs arise from turbulent blood flow within the heart. This turbulence can stem from a variety of factors, some benign and others indicative of a heart problem. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes:
-
Congenital Heart Defects: These are structural abnormalities present at birth. Common examples include:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): A hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers of the heart (atria).
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): A hole in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): A persistent opening between the aorta and pulmonary artery that should close shortly after birth.
-
Valve Abnormalities: The heart has four valves that ensure blood flows in the correct direction. Problems with these valves can lead to murmurs:
- Stenosis: A valve that is narrowed and doesn’t open fully, restricting blood flow.
- Regurgitation (Insufficiency): A valve that doesn’t close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward.
- Prolapse: A valve that bulges back into the upper chamber, often associated with regurgitation.
-
Other Conditions:
- Anemia: A lack of healthy red blood cells can cause the blood to flow more quickly, leading to a murmur. According to research from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, in July 2023, anemia is Y with Z%.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can increase blood flow and heart rate, potentially causing a murmur.
- Pregnancy: Increased blood volume during pregnancy can sometimes lead to a heart murmur.
- Infection: Conditions like endocarditis (infection of the heart lining and valves) or rheumatic fever can damage heart valves and cause murmurs.
- Calcification: Calcium deposits on heart valves, particularly the aortic and mitral valves, can cause them to stiffen and narrow, resulting in a murmur. When calcium affects the heart valves, it’s called calcific or degenerative valve disease.
- Heart valve disease: Heart valve disease occurs when the valves do not work properly. According to research from the American Heart Association, in March 2024, P provides Y.
