Hearing the words “heart murmur” during a checkup can be frightening, especially if it is your loved one who just received the news. Your mind may jump straight to worst-case scenarios. Take a breath. Heart murmurs in adults are common, and most of the time, they are nothing to worry about.
Still, some murmurs point to a real problem, like a leaking valve. Knowing the difference can help you understand what your loved one is facing and what steps come next.
What Causes Heart Murmurs in Adults?
A heart murmur is simply an extra whooshing or swishing sound that a doctor hears between normal heartbeats. It happens when blood flows in a turbulent way through the heart, rather than smoothly through its chambers and valves.
Innocent Murmurs vs Valve Problems
Not every murmur means something is wrong. Doctors often divide them into two categories:
- Innocent murmurs. These are harmless and common in adults with fast heart rates, anemia, pregnancy, or thyroid conditions. They typically go away once the underlying cause is treated.
- Abnormal murmurs. These are usually linked to structural issues in the heart, most often a problem with one of its four valves.
If your loved one has an innocent murmur, no treatment is usually needed beyond addressing the root cause. But if a valve is involved, closer monitoring becomes important.
When a Heart Murmur Signals a Valve Leak
A valve leak, also called regurgitation, happens when a heart valve does not close tightly. Blood then flows backward instead of moving forward the way it should. Over time, this makes the heart work harder, which can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs and ankles.
Watch for these warning signs alongside a known murmur:
- Shortness of breath during light activity or while lying down
- Unusual fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Chest discomfort
None of these symptoms mean the worst automatically. But they are worth bringing to a cardiologist right away rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit.
How a Cardiologist Diagnoses Heart Murmurs in Adults
A cardiologist can determine whether a murmur is harmless or a sign of valve disease using simple, noninvasive tests. An echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart, is often the first step. From there, the cardiologist may recommend an EKG or stress test to see how well the heart handles physical activity.
Based on these results, a cardiologist can build a care plan suited to your loved one’s needs. This might include medication, lifestyle changes, or ongoing monitoring to catch any changes early.
Finding Support Near You
Many families begin searching for a cardiology clinic in Brooklyn as soon as a murmur diagnosis comes in, since nearby, familiar care makes follow-up appointments easier to manage. A trusted cardiology clinic in Brooklyn can also coordinate home visits for patients who have trouble traveling, which matters if your loved one has limited mobility or lives with multiple health conditions.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
A heart murmur diagnosis can feel overwhelming at first, but most adults with murmurs live full, active lives. The key is getting a clear answer from a qualified cardiologist and staying on top of any follow-up care your loved one needs.
Reach out to our cardiology team today by calling +1-718-367-2555 or visiting us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 1121 to learn about monitoring and cardiology support available near you.
