Szmer sercowy – Epidemiologia

Szmer sercowy
Epidemiologia

Szmery sercowe stanowią powszechne zjawisko kliniczne o zróżnicowanej częstości występowania w zależności od wieku pacjenta, metody diagnostycznej oraz populacji. U noworodków częstość wykrywania szmerów waha się od 0,9% do 77,4%, z badaniem obejmującym 7204 noworodków, gdzie stwierdzono szmer u 1,37% (13,7/1000), a około 42,5% z nich miało strukturalne wady serca, z czego 5% wymagało wczesnej interwencji kardiologicznej. W populacji pediatrycznej szmery występują u 8,6% niemowląt i nawet do 80-90% dzieci w wieku 4-7 lat, z większością szmerów o charakterze niewinnym. U dorosłych szmery sercowe występują u około 10% populacji, częściej wskazując na patologię, zwłaszcza choroby zastawkowe, a szmery rozkurczowe i ciągłe są szczególnie podejrzane. W ciąży szmery obserwuje się u około 90% kobiet, co jest związane ze zwiększonym przepływem krwi. Diagnostyka opiera się na auskultacji, echokardiografii, EKG, pulsoksymetrii (która zwiększa czułość wykrywania krytycznych wad serca u noworodków z 46% do 77%) oraz badaniach laboratoryjnych, takich jak pro-BNP.

Epidemiologia szmerów sercowych

Szmery sercowe są powszechnym zjawiskiem klinicznym występującym w różnych grupach wiekowych, a ich częstość występowania różni się znacząco w zależności od wieku pacjenta, zastosowanych metod diagnostycznych oraz badanej populacji. Dokładne zrozumienie epidemiologii szmerów sercowych stanowi podstawę do prawidłowej oceny klinicznej i planowania postępowania diagnostyczno-terapeutycznego.¹²

Występowanie szmerów u noworodków

W przypadku noworodków, częstość występowania szmerów sercowych wykazuje znaczną zmienność w różnych badaniach – od zaledwie 0,9% do 77,4%. W jednym z obszernych badań obejmujących 7204 noworodków, szmer sercowy wykryto u 1,37% badanych (13,7 na 1000 noworodków). Dane te wskazują, że szmery sercowe nie są rzadkością nawet w tej grupie wiekowej.¹²

Szczególnie istotne jest to, że w przypadku noworodków u których wykryto szmer sercowy, istnieje stosunkowo wysokie prawdopodobieństwo (około 42,5%) występowania strukturalnych wad serca. Z tego powodu noworodki z wykrytym szmerem powinny zostać skierowane na wczesną ocenę kardiologiczną, która pozwoli na postawienie definitywnej diagnozy wrodzonej wady serca lub wykluczenie istotnych nieprawidłowości anatomicznych i funkcjonalnych.¹²

Warto podkreślić, że według niektórych badań, około 5% tych wad jest na tyle poważnych, że wymaga wczesnej interwencji kardiologicznej. Badania potwierdzają również, że noworodki są w grupie podwyższonego ryzyka występowania poważnych strukturalnych chorób serca objawiających się jako bezobjawowy szmer.¹²

Szmery sercowe u dzieci

Szmery sercowe są niezwykle powszechne w populacji pediatrycznej. Szacuje się, że do 8,6% niemowląt i nawet 80% dzieci ma szmer sercowy w którymś momencie życia. Niektóre źródła podają, że nawet 90% dzieci w wieku 4-7 lat z anatomicznie prawidłowym sercem może mieć wykrywalny szmer.¹²³

W badaniu oceniającym występowanie i znaczenie kliniczne szmerów sercowych u pozornie zdrowych dzieci w wieku szkolnym, szmery wykryto u 2,7% (2193) przebadanych dzieci, z czego u 215 zidentyfikowano strukturalną chorobę serca. Badanie to sugerowało, że pozornie zdrowe dzieci w wieku szkolnym z szmerem sercowym 2 stopnia są najmniej narażone na występowanie strukturalnej choroby serca, szczególnie u tych w wieku 10 lat. Jednakże badanie echokardiograficzne powinno być wykonane u młodszych dzieci w wieku szkolnym z szmerem sercowym 3 stopnia.¹

Co istotne, większość szmerów u dzieci ma charakter niewinny (innocent murmurs) i nie świadczy o patologii serca. Szacuje się, że wśród dzieci kierowanych do kardiologa pediatrycznego z powodu szmeru, tylko u około 7% diagnozuje się patologię serca. Interesujący jest fakt, że u 9,5% dzieci skierowanych z powodu nowego szmeru nie stwierdza się żadnego szmeru podczas wizyty u kardiologa.¹²

W porównaniu do tego, częstość występowania wrodzonych wad serca (CHD), które mogą być przyczyną patologicznych szmerów, szacuje się na 4-50 na 1000 żywych urodzeń. Wskazuje to, że większość szmerów u dzieci nie jest związana z istotną wadą serca.¹

Występowanie szmerów sercowych u dorosłych

U dorosłych szacuje się, że około 10% populacji może mieć wykrywalny szmer sercowy. W przeciwieństwie do dzieci, u dorosłych szmery częściej wiążą się z patologią serca, zwłaszcza z chorobami zastawek.¹²

Szmery patologiczne u dorosłych są najczęściej związane z wadliwymi zastawkami serca, a ich częstość wzrasta wraz z wiekiem. Istotne jest, że szmery rozkurczowe i ciągłe są częściej związane z chorobą serca, dlatego każdy szmer powinien być dokładnie oceniony.¹²³

Szmery sercowe w stanach specjalnych

Szmery sercowe są również powszechne w pewnych specyficznych stanach fizjologicznych, takich jak ciąża. Szacuje się, że około 90% kobiet w ciąży doświadcza szmeru sercowego, co zwykle jest objawem zwiększonej objętości przepływu krwi w tym okresie.¹

Występowanie szmerów sercowych notuje się również u zwierząt, co ma znaczenie w medycynie weterynaryjnej. W badaniu dotyczącym szynszyli, częstość występowania szmerów sercowych była wysoka (23%), a stopień szmeru był związany z wykryciem nieprawidłowości echokardiograficznych. U koni, szmery fizjologiczne są szczególnie powszechne u młodych koni i koni pełnej krwi angielskiej.¹²

Znaczenie kliniczne szmerów sercowych

Szmery sercowe różnią się znacząco pod względem znaczenia klinicznego – od niewinnych wariantów fizjologicznych po objawy poważnych chorób serca. Właściwa interpretacja szmeru sercowego ma kluczowe znaczenie dla określenia dalszego postępowania diagnostycznego i terapeutycznego.¹²

Niewinne szmery sercowe

Niewinne szmery sercowe (innocent murmurs) są niezwykle powszechne, szczególnie u dzieci. Są one następstwem normalnych wzorców przepływu krwi przez serce i naczynia, nie wskazują na patologię i nie wymagają leczenia. Większość niewinnych szmerów z czasem zanika, szczególnie gdy dziecko dorasta.¹²

Charakterystyczną cechą niewinnych szmerów u dzieci jest to, że często pojawiają się i znikają, a ostatecznie zwykle ustępują wraz z wiekiem. Dzieci z niewinnymi szmerami nie mają choroby serca i powinny być tak samo aktywne jak wszystkie inne zdrowe dzieci.¹²

Również u szczeniąt i młodych psów szmery są często łagodne, co oznacza, że nie są szkodliwe. Są to ciche, delikatne szmery nazywane niewinnymi lub fizjologicznymi, a większość z nich zanika do 6 miesiąca życia.¹

Patologiczne szmery sercowe

Patologiczne szmery sercowe (pathologic murmurs) wskazują na nieprawidłowości strukturalne lub funkcjonalne serca. Mogą być one spowodowane szeregiem czynników, w tym:¹²

Wadliwymi zastawkami serca (zwężenie lub niedomykalność)¹²
Wrodzonymi wadami serca (np. ubytek przegrody międzykomorowej lub międzyprzedsionkowej)¹²
Infekcjami, takimi jak zapalenie wsierdzia¹²
Anemią¹
Gorączką¹

U noworodków z szmerem sercowym istnieje około 42,5% prawdopodobieństwa, że szmer jest spowodowany przez strukturalne wady serca. W przypadku dzieci w wieku szkolnym z szmerem, strukturalna choroba serca występuje rzadziej, choć częstość ta wzrasta przy szmerach wyższego stopnia.¹²

U dorosłych patologiczne szmery są najczęściej związane z chorobami zastawek serca. Szmery rozkurczowe i ciągłe są szczególnie podejrzane klinicznie i częściej wskazują na patologię serca.¹²

Rozpoznanie i ocena szmerów

Rozpoznanie szmeru sercowego opiera się przede wszystkim na badaniu osłuchowym (auskultacji). Jednakże dokładność diagnostyczna lekarzy w rozpoznawaniu szmerów sercowych jest często suboptymalna, co podkreśla znaczenie skierowania do specjalisty w przypadku wątpliwości.¹

Badania wykazują, że szmery noworodkowe są trudne do sklasyfikowania dla lekarzy niebędących kardiologami, ale kardiolodzy dziecięcy przewyższają innych klinicystów w zdolności klasyfikowania szmerów jako niewinne lub patologiczne.¹

W przypadku podejrzenia szmeru patologicznego, dalsze badania mogą obejmować:¹²

Echokardiografię – najczęściej stosowany test, pokazujący struktury serca i przepływ krwi¹²
EKG¹
Rentgen klatki piersiowej¹
Badania krwi¹
Pulsoksymetrię (szczególnie u noworodków)¹²

Przegląd Cochrane obejmujący 21 badań z udziałem ponad 450 000 uczestników wykazał, że spośród 10 000 pozornie zdrowych niemowląt, sześcioro miało klinicznie nierozpoznaną krytyczną wrodzoną wadę serca, a badanie za pomocą pulsoksymetrii wykryłoby pięć z tych sześciu przypadków.¹

Nadzór i monitorowanie szmerów sercowych

Właściwy nadzór i monitorowanie pacjentów z szmerami sercowymi ma kluczowe znaczenie dla wczesnego wykrywania potencjalnych powikłań i optymalizacji wyników leczenia. Strategie nadzoru różnią się w zależności od rodzaju szmeru, wieku pacjenta i towarzyszących objawów.¹²

Wskazania do skierowania do kardiologa

Skierowanie do kardiologa pediatrycznego powinno nastąpić w przypadku szmerów wykrytych podczas początkowej hospitalizacji, gdy występują objawy przedmiotowe lub podmiotowe choroby serca, wyniki badania przesiewowego w kierunku krytycznej wrodzonej wady serca są nieprawidłowe, występują cechy zespołów genetycznych, istnieje wywiad nieprawidłowej echokardiografii płodowej lub krewny pierwszego stopnia ma wrodzoną wadę serca.¹

W przypadku dorosłych, lekarz może zalecić skierowanie do kardiologa, jeśli szmer jest nowo wykryty, szczególnie jeśli jest on głośny (wyższego stopnia), towarzyszy mu duszność, ból w klatce piersiowej, omdlenia lub inne objawy sugerujące chorobę serca.¹²

Strategie monitorowania

Strategie monitorowania szmerów sercowych zależą od ich charakteru i przyczyny:¹²

Niewinne szmery zwykle nie wymagają specjalnego monitorowania ani leczenia¹²
Szmery związane z wadami zastawek wymagają regularnego monitorowania, zwykle co najmniej raz w roku¹²
U dzieci z bezobjawowym szmerem o cechach niewinnych można rozważyć obserwację zamiast kierowania na dalsze badania, co może zmniejszyć nadmierne wykorzystanie zasobów i niepokój rodziców¹

W monitorowaniu pacjentów z patologicznymi szmerami sercowymi pomocne mogą być regularne echokardiografie, które pozwalają ocenić progresję choroby. U dorosłych z chorobą zastawkową, od łagodnej do umiarkowanej, regularne echokardiogramy są zwykle zalecane w celu monitorowania progresji choroby.¹²

W przypadku zwierząt, takich jak psy czy konie, również zaleca się regularne kontrole w celu monitorowania progresji szmeru, pomaganie zwierzęciu w utracie wagi poprzez odpowiednią dietę i ćwiczenia oraz rozważenie stosowania diety leczniczej dla zdrowia serca.¹²

Ekonomiczne aspekty monitorowania

Oceny kosztów potwierdzają, że w przypadku szmerów sercowych bardziej ekonomiczne jest skierowanie do specjalisty w pierwszej kolejności, zamiast strategii „echokardiografia jako pierwsze badanie”, co zmniejsza ogólne koszty oceny przy podobnych wynikach.¹

Globalny rynek urządzeń do wykrywania szmerów sercowych rozwija się dzięki rosnącej częstości występowania chorób serca, szybkiemu przyjmowaniu siedzącego trybu życia, starzeniu się populacji i korzystnym zwrotom kosztów opieki zdrowotnej. Ponadto, rosnąca świadomość dotycząca wczesnej diagnozy chorób serca i postępy technologiczne prowadzące do wprowadzenia urządzeń i oprogramowania do wykrywania szmerów sercowych również są głównymi czynnikami, które mogą napędzać globalny rynek urządzeń do wykrywania szmerów sercowych.¹²

Znaczenie wczesnego wykrywania szmerów sercowych

Wczesne wykrywanie szmerów sercowych, szczególnie tych patologicznych, ma kluczowe znaczenie dla poprawy wyników leczenia pacjentów. Wczesna interwencja może zapobiec powikłaniom i poprawić długoterminowe rokowanie.¹²

Korzyści z wczesnego wykrywania

Wczesne wykrywanie strukturalnych szmerów sercowych ma kluczowe znaczenie dla zapobiegania powikłaniom, takim jak niewydolność serca i udar mózgu. Wczesna diagnoza umożliwia interwencję, gdy jeszcze można coś zrobić, czy to u szczenięcia z problemem wrodzonym, czy u starszego psa z nowym szmerem.¹²

W przypadku noworodków i dzieci, wczesne wykrycie szmeru patologicznego może prowadzić do szybkiej diagnozy wrodzonej wady serca, co umożliwia wczesne leczenie i może zapobiec poważnym powikłaniom. Badanie kliniczne pozornie zdrowych noworodków ma czułość 46% w wykrywaniu wrodzonych wad serca; czułość ta wzrasta do 77%, gdy badanie kliniczne jest połączone z pulsoksymetrią (z wartością graniczną 94%).¹

Potencjalne powikłania i rokowanie

Nieprawidłowy szmer sercowy może prowadzić do powikłań, takich jak niewydolność serca, nadciśnienie płucne, infekcje zastawek serca i udar mózgu. Ponad 50% osób z nieleczoną ciężką chorobą strukturalną serca umiera w ciągu pięciu lat.¹²

Rokowanie dla osób z szmerem sercowym zależy od stanu powodującego szmer. Dzieci często wyrastają z szmerów dziecięcych, a szmer w ciąży zwykle ustępuje po porodzie. Jednak szmery związane z chorobami serca wymagają leczenia.¹

W przypadku noworodków z niewinnym szmerem sercowym, rokowanie jest generalnie bardzo pozytywne. Prawie wszystkie dzieci z niewinnymi szmerami sercowymi żyją zdrowo i mogą wyrosnąć ze szmeru. Niemowlęta, których szmer wynika z wrodzonej wady serca, również ogólnie mają dobre rokowanie, ale istnieje większa szansa na dalsze powikłania w ciągu ich życia.¹

Edukacja i świadomość

Edukacja pacjentów i zwiększanie świadomości na temat szmerów sercowych są ważnymi elementami nadzoru. Rodzice dzieci z szmerami powinni być informowani, że większość szmerów u dzieci jest niewinnych i nie wymaga leczenia.¹²

Pacjenci z patologicznymi szmerami powinni być świadomi znaczenia regularnych kontroli i potencjalnych objawów wymagających natychmiastowej uwagi medycznej. Powinni również zrozumieć, że wczesna diagnoza i leczenie mogą zapobiec poważnym powikłaniom.¹²

Lekarze powinni również być świadomi znaczenia dokładnej auskultacji serca i właściwego kierowania pacjentów z podejrzanymi szmerami do specjalistów. Poprawa umiejętności auskultacji serca wśród lekarzy może prowadzić do wcześniejszego wykrywania patologicznych szmerów sercowych.¹²

Nowe technologie w wykrywaniu szmerów sercowych

Rozwój technologii odgrywa coraz ważniejszą rolę w wykrywaniu i monitorowaniu szmerów sercowych. Innowacyjne rozwiązania mogą poprawić dokładność diagnostyczną i ułatwić wczesne wykrywanie patologii serca.¹²

Cyfrowe stetoskopy i sztuczna inteligencja

Nowoczesne cyfrowe stetoskopy w połączeniu z algorytmami sztucznej inteligencji mogą znacząco poprawić wykrywanie szmerów sercowych. Platforma SENSORA do wykrywania chorób serca wykrywa szmery strukturalne poprzez szybką analizę dźwięków serca i sygnałów EKG zbieranych za pomocą nowoczesnego cyfrowego stetoskopu.¹

Dzięki tej innowacyjnej technologii możliwe jest wczesne i skuteczne wykrywanie szmerów sercowych, co prowadzi do zwiększenia jakości życia i zmniejszenia śmiertelności. Technologie te mogą być szczególnie pomocne w obszarach o ograniczonym dostępie do specjalistycznej opieki kardiologicznej.¹

Pulsoksymetria w badaniach przesiewowych

Pulsoksymetria stała się ważnym narzędziem w badaniach przesiewowych noworodków pod kątem krytycznych wrodzonych wad serca. Przegląd Cochrane wykazał, że pulsoksymetria może wykryć pięć z sześciu przypadków klinicznie nierozpoznanej krytycznej wrodzonej wady serca na 10 000 pozornie zdrowych niemowląt.¹

Połączenie badania klinicznego i pulsoksymetrii zwiększa czułość wykrywania wrodzonych wad serca z 46% do 77%, co podkreśla znaczenie tego prostego, nieinwazyjnego badania.¹

Biomarkery w monitorowaniu

Proste badanie krwi, takie jak pro-BNP (prekursor peptydu natriuretycznego typu B), jest przydatnym narzędziem do monitorowania, ponieważ poziomy pro-BNP wzrastają w obliczu rozciągnięcia i stresu mięśnia sercowego.¹

Biomarkery te mogą pomóc w monitorowaniu progresji choroby serca i ocenie skuteczności leczenia u pacjentów z patologicznymi szmerami sercowymi.¹

Globalny rynek urządzeń do wykrywania szmerów sercowych rozwija się dzięki postępom technologicznym prowadzącym do wprowadzenia urządzeń i oprogramowania do wykrywania szmerów sercowych. Rosnąca świadomość dotycząca wczesnej diagnozy chorób serca również przyczynia się do rozwoju tego rynku.¹

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

Materiały źródłowe

#1 Heart murmur epidemiology and demographics – wikidoc
https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Heart_murmur_epidemiology_and_demographics
The prevalence of heart murmur among neonates varies among different studies, ranging from as low as 0.9 % to 77.4%. there is a (42.5%) chance that the murmur is due to underlying structural defects. […] The prevalence of heart murmur among neonates varies among different studies, ranging from as low as 0.9 % to 77.4%. According to one study involving 7204 neonates, a murmur was detected in less than 1 % of the neonates. Half of the neonates with heart murmur had cardiovascular malformation. […] The prevalence of heart murmur is 13.7 per 1000 neonate. there is a (42.5%) chance that the murmur is due to underlying structural defects.
#1 Prevalence and clinical significance of heart murmurs detected in routine neonatal examination
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3727508/
Murmurs were detected in 87 neonate (1.37%) of whom 37 (42.5%) had a structural cardiac malformation. […] The prevalence of heart murmur was 13.7 per 1000 neonate. If a murmur is heard there is a (42.5%) chance of their being underlying structural defects. […] The prevalence of murmur was 13.7 per 1000 of normal neonates during the period of study. […] In this study 42.5% of babies with heart murmur had structural cardiac malformation. […] About 5% of these malformation were serious enough that required early cardiac intervention. […] Babies with murmurs should be referred for early cardiology evaluation which will result either in a definitive diagnosis of congenital heart disease or in authoritative reassurance of normal cardiac anatomy and function.
#1 Heart Murmurs in Children: Evaluation and Management | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0300/p250.html
Up to 8.6% of infants and 80% of children have a heart murmur during their early years of life. […] Heart murmurs are a common finding in children and the most frequent cause for referral to a pediatric cardiologist. […] The lifetime incidence of murmurs in children is high, with most children experiencing a murmur. […] Most murmurs are transient and of minor clinical significance. […] Despite the high prevalence of murmurs and the frequency with which physicians encounter them, evidence shows that physicians’ cardiac auscultation skills are suboptimal. […] A Cochrane review of 21 studies involving more than 450,000 participants demonstrated that out of 10,000 seemingly healthy infants, six had clinically unsuspected critical congenital heart disease, and pulse oximetry screening would detect five of those six cases.
#1 Prevalence and clinical significance of cardiac murmurs in schoolchildren | Archives of Disease in Childhood
https://adc.bmj.com/content/100/11/1028
Objective To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of heart murmurs detected during heart disease screening among apparently healthy schoolchildren. […] The prevalence and clinical significance of heart murmurs among schoolchildren. […] Murmurs were detected in 2193 schoolchildren (2.7%), of whom 215 had a structural heart disease (SHD). […] The study suggested that apparently healthy schoolchildren with grade 2 cardiac murmurs are least likely to have underlying SHD, especially in those aged 10 years. However, echocardiography should be performed in younger schoolchildren with cardiac murmur grade 3.
#1 Heart Murmurs: Evidence Based Strategies | Children’s Mercy Kansas City
https://www.childrensmercy.org/health-care-providers/refer-or-manage-a-patient/connect-with-childrens-mercy/newsletter-the-link/link-newsletter-june-2023/evidence-based-strategies-heart-murmurs/
A new murmur, especially if harsh, might understandably set a physicians own heart racing. An estimated 50%-80% of children will have a cardiac murmur at some point in their life, but less than 1% of these murmurs will correlate with serious congenital or acquired heart disease, making identifying a pathologic murmur akin to finding a needle in a haystack. […] Most murmurs referred to pediatric cardiologists for further evaluation are innocent, indicating that much of the parental anxiety surrounding these visits was preventable. In a study reporting the prevalence of significant cardiac pathology in patients 2-18 years of age referred to cardiology for a murmur, 33/473 (7%) were diagnosed with cardiac pathology. Interestingly, 9.5% of those referred for a new murmur were found to have no murmur at the time of their cardiology visit.
#1 Evaluation and Management of Heart Murmurs in Children | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/1001/p793.html
Heart murmurs are common in healthy infants, children, and adolescents. […] Heart murmurs are common in asymptomatic, otherwise healthy children. These murmurs are often innocent and result from the normal patterns of blood flow through the heart and vessels. […] The incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) varies between four and 50 per 1,000 live births. […] Newborns are at higher risk of having serious structural heart disease that presents as an asymptomatic murmur. Approximately 1 percent of newborns have a heart murmur, and 31 to 86 percent of these infants have structural heart disease, including asymptomatic newborns. […] The evaluation of newborns for CHD may include pulse oximetry after 24 hours of life. Clinical examination of asymptomatic newborns has a sensitivity of 46 percent for detection of CHD; this sensitivity increases to 77 percent when clinical examination is combined with pulse oximetry (with a cutoff of 94 percent).
#1 Checking for heart murmurs – Harvard Health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/checking-for-heart-murmurs
Doctors classify heart murmurs into two main categories: benign (also called innocent or functional murmurs) and abnormal (also called structural or pathologic murmurs). About one in 10 adults has a benign heart murmur, which can be detected when blood flows through the heart more quickly than normal. […] In adults, most abnormal murmurs are cause by an aortic or mitral valve that’s not working correctly. Heart valve disease, which can range from mild to severe, can’t be cured with medication. Usually, people with mild to moderate valve stenosis or regurgitation get regular echocardiograms to monitor the progression of their disease. Severe cases require surgery or a minimally invasive procedure to repair or replace the faulty valve.
#1 Heart Murmur: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17083-heart-murmur
Heart murmurs are quite common. In fact, most people had an innocent heart murmur at some point during childhood. […] Diastolic and continuous murmurs are more likely related to heart disease. But every heart murmur should be evaluated. […] If a healthcare provider hears a murmur, you may need further testing to rule out a health problem. You may be referred to a cardiologist, a physician who specializes in the heart. […] The outlook for people with a heart murmur depends on the condition causing it. Kids often outgrow childhood murmurs, and a murmur with pregnancy usually goes away after childbirth. However, murmurs associated with heart conditions require medical treatment.
#1 Should You Worry About a Heart Murmur? | University of Utah Health
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2025/04/should-you-worry-about-heart-murmur
A heart murmur is a sound often characterized as a „whooshing” or rushing of fluid that can be heard between heartbeats. […] Anyone at any age can experience a heart murmur, but they are most common in children and during pregnancy. […] About 90% of pregnant people experience a heart murmur. Its usually a symptom of having a higher volume of blood flow during pregnancy. […] Most people dont experience any symptoms of a heart murmur. However, some people experience an abnormal heart murmur, which may indicate an underlying heart disease or structural problems in your heart. […] Abnormal heart murmurs may be caused by infections, birth defects, or heart valve diseases. […] The type of heart murmur will determine your treatment. A cardiologist can identify different types of heart murmurs by sound alone.
#1 Evaluation of heart murmurs in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 59 cases (1996â2009) in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume 241 Issue 10 ()
https://avmajournals.avma.org/abstract/journals/javma/241/10/javma.241.10.1344.xml
Objective To determine the prevalence of heart murmurs in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) and determine whether heart murmurs were associated with cardiac disease. […] Results suggested that heart murmurs are common in chinchillas and that chinchillas with heart murmurs often have echocardiographic abnormalities, with valvular disease being the most common. […] The prevalence of heart murmurs in chinchillas in the present study was high (23%), and murmur grade was associated with detection of echocardiographic abnormalities. These results suggested that cardiac abnormalities in chinchillas may be underdiagnosed and that echocardiography should be recommended for chinchillas with a heart murmur, particularly for chinchillas with a heart murmur of grade 3 or higher.
#1 Heart murmur – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_murmur
Heart murmurs are unique heart sounds produced when blood flows across a heart valve or blood vessel. This occurs when turbulent blood flow creates a sound loud enough to hear with a stethoscope. The sound differs from normal heart sounds by their characteristics. For example, heart murmurs may have a distinct pitch, duration and timing. The major way health care providers examine the heart on physical exam is heart auscultation; another clinical technique is palpation, which can detect by touch when such turbulence causes the vibrations called cardiac thrill. A murmur is a sign found during the cardiac exam. Murmurs are of various types and are important in the detection of cardiac and valvular pathologies (i.e. can be a sign of heart diseases or defects). […] Most murmurs are normal variants that can present at various ages which relate to changes of the body with age such as chest size, blood pressure, and pliability or rigidity of structures.
#1 Heart Murmurs | American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-murmurs
Innocent heart murmurs are so common that around one-third to three-quarters of children will have an innocent murmur at some time between age 1 and 14. […] Non-innocent (or abnormal) heart murmurs are often caused by defective heart valves. […] Certain congenital defects and other conditions such as pregnancy, fever, anemia or thyrotoxicosis (a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland) can also cause murmurs.
#1 Are Innocent Heart Murmurs in Children Cause for Concern? | HealthFocus SA | University Health
https://www.universityhealth.com/blog/heart-murmurs-in-children
Most heart murmurs in newborns and children are normal. […] About 80% of healthy children will have an innocent heart murmur at some point, according to the American Family Physician. […] Innocent heart murmurs are not cause for concern and do not require treatment. […] Children with innocent murmurs dont have heart disease and should be as active as all other healthy children.
#1 Get a jump on heart murmurs | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/get-jump-heart-murmurs
A simple blood test, called pro-BNP (precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide), is a useful tool for monitoring as well, as pro-BNP levels rise in the face of cardiac muscle stretch and stress. […] If you are told that your dog has a heart murmur, you should schedule regular follow-ups to monitor its progression, help your dog lose weight through proper diet and exercise, and consider using a prescription diet for canine cardiac health. Just initiating appropriate, targeted dietary intervention could add years to your dogs life. Your attention to cardiac management could be the difference between a dog who ends up with congestive heart failure and one that does not. […] Murmurs in puppies usually are not a concern […] Most murmurs in puppies are benign, which means they arent harmful. They are soft, quiet murmurs called innocent or physiologic murmurs, and most will be outgrown by 6 months of age. If your puppy does not outgrow their murmur, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine the cause, cardiac status and prognosis. This is important whether your dog is intended for breeding or not.
#1 Heart Murmurs: Types of Murmurs, Causes and Outlook | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/heart-murmurs
Heart murmurs in children are very common. As many as half of all children will have a heart murmur at some point before 18 years of age. It is important to understand what causes a heart murmur and what needs to be done to evaluate them. […] Heart murmurs may be caused by a number of factors or diseases, including the following: Defective heart valves, Holes in the interior heart walls (atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect), Congenital (present at birth) heart defects, Fever, Anemia (a decrease in the red blood cells). […] Not all heart murmurs are symptoms of heart disease. Sometimes, a murmur may be heard in a normal child who has a fever or who is anemic; these murmurs often go away when the underlying problem is treated.
#1 Understanding Heart Murmurs: When Should You Worry? | Orlando | UCF Health
https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/cardiology/when-to-worry-about-a-heart-murmur/
Heart murmurs, abnormal sounds that become apparent during the heartbeat cycle, can leave many individuals concerned and uncertain about their implications. Addressing heart murmurs is crucial, as they can serve as potential indicators of underlying heart conditions. However, not all heart murmurs are cause for alarm. […] Heart murmurs can stem from various underlying causes and risk factors including: […] Problems with heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), are significant culprits behind heart murmurs. […] Heart murmurs can also be a consequence of congenital heart defects, inherent abnormalities present at birth. […] Infections, such as endocarditis, an inflammation of the hearts inner lining, can wreak havoc on heart valves. […] Beyond valve disorders and congenital defects, various heart conditions can trigger murmurs.
#1 Heart Murmurs in Children: Evaluation and Management | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0300/p250.html
Pediatric cardiology referral should occur for murmurs during the initial hospitalization when signs or symptoms of cardiac disease are present, the critical congenital heart screening results are abnormal, syndromic features are present, there is a history of abnormal fetal echocardiography, or a first-degree relative with congenital heart disease. […] Studies show that neonatal murmurs are difficult for noncardiologists to classify, but pediatric cardiologists outperform other clinicians in their ability to classify murmurs as innocent or pathologic. […] Although studies confirm that echocardiography can diagnose critical congenital heart disease, cost assessments support referral first, instead of an echocardiography-first strategy, reducing overall costs of the evaluation with similar outcomes.
#1 Heart murmur | healthdirect
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-murmur
A heart murmur is a 'swishing’, 'whooshing’ or 'rasping’ noise heard between regular heart beats. […] It can be harmless or a possible sign a heart condition. […] Doctors diagnose a heart murmur by listening to your heart with a stethoscope and may recommend tests such as an ECG, chest x-ray, echocardiogram or angiogram. […] Medicines or surgery may be needed to treat a heart murmur. […] Heart murmurs might be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life. […] Heart murmurs can either be harmless (also known as 'innocent’ heart murmurs), or can indicate an underlying heart problem. […] See your doctor if you suspect you may have a heart murmur so they can try and identify the cause. […] If your heart murmur is abnormal, you may need treatment. […] An abnormal heart murmur can lead to complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, infections of your heart valves, and stroke. […] Heart murmurs cannot be prevented, but living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing some heart diseases associated with heart murmurs.
#1 Heart murmur – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_murmur
Heart murmurs are frequently categorized by timing. These include systolic heart murmurs, diastolic heart murmurs, or continuous murmurs. These differ in the part of the heartbeat they make sound, during systole, or diastole. Yet, continuous murmurs create sound throughout both parts of the heartbeat. Continuous murmurs are not placed into the categories of diastolic or systolic murmurs. […] A medical provider (e.g. doctor) may order tests for further evaluation of a heart murmur. The echocardiogram is a common test used. This is also known as an „echo” or ultrasound of the heart. It shows the heart structures and blood flow through the heart. Further testing is usually done when symptoms that may be of concern are present. […] The need for treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity. In some cases, the condition causing the heart murmur may prompt monitoring. Sometimes, heart murmurs disappear on their own. This happens when the cause of the heart murmur is no longer present. Monitoring will help determine how the condition changes. It may stay the same, worsen, or improve. In other cases, the condition causing the heart murmur may not prompt any further tests.
#1 Understanding Heart Murmurs: When Should You Worry? | Orlando | UCF Health
https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/cardiology/when-to-worry-about-a-heart-murmur/
Recognizing the symptoms and signs associated with heart murmurs is necessary for early detection and appropriate medical evaluation. […] If you experience persistent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, dizziness or swelling, especially in adulthood, these should raise red flags. […] From lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring under the guidance of cardiologists to the potential use of medications or in some cases, surgical interventions, the treatment spectrum for heart murmurs varies widely.
#1 What Is a Heart Murmur? | Mass General Brigham
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/what-is-a-heart-murmur
Most heart murmurs are benign, which means theyre harmless and dont cause health problems or put you at risk for other conditions. […] Up to 75% of children have a heart murmur at some point, says Dr. Philippides. These tend to be benign, and theyre just caused by high blood flow inside a healthy heart. […] Murmurs caused by these types of conditions or states are typically harmless and dont require monitoring or treatment, says Dr. Philippides. A benign heart murmur is often temporary. […] Some murmurs can be caused by significant heart or heart valve problems, says Dr. Philippides. […] Depending on how severe the heart problem is, your provider will want to see you at regular intervals, usually at least yearly. […] If your provider diagnoses the murmur as benign, you typically dont need any further medical care for it. If your provider is concerned the murmur may be serious, youll have additional testing. […] A benign murmur doesnt require treatment, but a murmur due to a heart problem requires ongoing monitoring and care. Depending on how severe the heart problem is, your provider will want to see you at regular intervals, usually at least yearly, says Dr. Philippides.
#1 Heart Murmurs: Evidence Based Strategies | Children’s Mercy Kansas City
https://www.childrensmercy.org/health-care-providers/refer-or-manage-a-patient/connect-with-childrens-mercy/newsletter-the-link/link-newsletter-june-2023/evidence-based-strategies-heart-murmurs/
For asymptomatic children found to have new murmurs with innocent features, conservative management with observation alone should be considered. This approach may help mitigate excess resource use and parental anxiety. Of course, any child with a murmur and associated concerning signs or symptoms such as poor growth, tachypnea or exercise intolerance should also undergo further evaluation and referral.
#1 Heart Murmur Devices Market Size, Share, & Forecast, 2032
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/heart-murmur-devices-market-101869
A heart murmur is a sound that occurs due to turbulent blood flow within the heart. There are two types of murmur, harmless or innocent murmur, and abnormal murmur. Abnormal murmur is indicative of abnormal functioning of the heart or heart valves or issues related to the structure of the heart. Abnormal heath murmurs are caused due to congenital heart diseases, valve stenosis, valve regurgitation endocarditis, rheumatic fever, and others. […] Global heart murmur devices market growth is being driven by the rising prevalence of heart diseases, rapid adoption of sedentary lifestyles, increasing aging population, and favorable health reimbursement. Furthermore, growing awareness regarding early diagnosis of heart diseases and technological advancements leading to the introduction of heart murmur detection devices and software are also major factors that are anticipated to fuel the global heart murmur devices market.
#1
https://www.ekohealth.com/blogs/eko-blog/understanding-structural-heart-murmurs?srsltid=AfmBOorUf7qxePWcEs0d0ZPhK3ULfj_kexSXs6QPDv-W0hFZglbUNQn5
Structural heart murmurs can be early indicators of serious heart conditions, so early detection and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes. […] Early detection of structural heart disease, e.g., through murmur detection, is crucial to prevent complications such as heart failure and stroke. […] Risk factors for structural heart murmurs include a family history of heart conditions, prior episodes of rheumatic fever, prior endocarditis, and chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes that strain the heart. […] Nearly 1% of U.S. births (about 40,000 annually) involve congenital heart defects, a major cause of structural heart murmurs. […] Cardiovascular diseases, including those detected by murmurs, cause millions of hospitalizations annually in the U.S. […] Upwards of 50% of individuals with severe structural heart disease die within five years if left untreated.
#1 Understanding Newborn Heart Murmur
https://www.healthline.com/health/newborn-heart-murmur
Heart murmurs in newborns and children are common. A 2022 study found that up to 8.6% of infants and 80% of children have a heart murmur. […] Heart murmurs in children are very common and often go away on their own. However, its important to follow up with a pediatric cardiologist if your newborn has received a heart murmur diagnosis. Some heart murmurs may indicate an underlying condition that needs monitoring or treatment. […] If your newborn has an abnormal heart murmur, its important to continue their care with a pediatrician and a pediatric cardiologist. […] The outlook for newborns who have an innocent heart murmur is generally quite positive. Almost all children with innocent heart murmurs live healthy lives and may grow out of their murmur. […] Infants whose murmur is from congenital heart disease also generally have good outlooks, but there is a greater chance of further complications throughout their lives. Potential complications will depend on the murmur cause. However, treatment and management are available to reduce these chances.
#1 You heard a what?! The truth about heart murmurs | Texas Children’s
https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/you-heard-what-truth-about-heart-murmurs
A murmur is not a disease and it is not an indication that your child needs heart surgery. Most kids with murmurs have healthy, normal hearts. Many murmurs can be followed by a pediatrician or nurse practitioner without referral to a cardiologist. […] The majority of murmurs in children are innocent sounds that go away with time. If referral is felt to be necessary, a pediatric cardiologist will be able to address any concerns that you may have.
#1
https://www.ekohealth.com/blogs/eko-blog/understanding-structural-heart-murmurs?srsltid=AfmBOorUf7qxePWcEs0d0ZPhK3ULfj_kexSXs6QPDv-W0hFZglbUNQn5
Early detection and diagnosis of structural heart murmurs are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Identifying heart murmurs early can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality, as they can indicate a range of conditions from benign to serious heart diseases. […] Cardiac auscultation, a stethoscope-based physical exam technique used by almost all clinicians, can identify murmurs indicative of changes in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. […] The SENSORA Cardiac Disease Detection Platform detects structural murmurs through rapid AI-based analysis of heart sounds and ECG signals collected with a modern digital stethoscope. […] Through this innovative technology, Eko ensures early and effective detection of heart murmurs, leading to increased quality of life and reduced mortality. […] Together, we can create a future where structural heart murmurs are detected early, leading to better patient outcomes and a significant reduction in heart disease-related complications and deaths.
#2 Heart Murmurs in Children: Evaluation and Management | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0300/p250.html
Up to 8.6% of infants and 80% of children have a heart murmur during their early years of life. […] Heart murmurs are a common finding in children and the most frequent cause for referral to a pediatric cardiologist. […] The lifetime incidence of murmurs in children is high, with most children experiencing a murmur. […] Most murmurs are transient and of minor clinical significance. […] Despite the high prevalence of murmurs and the frequency with which physicians encounter them, evidence shows that physicians’ cardiac auscultation skills are suboptimal. […] A Cochrane review of 21 studies involving more than 450,000 participants demonstrated that out of 10,000 seemingly healthy infants, six had clinically unsuspected critical congenital heart disease, and pulse oximetry screening would detect five of those six cases.
#2 Prevalence and clinical significance of heart murmurs detected in routine neonatal examination
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3727508/
Murmurs were detected in 87 neonate (1.37%) of whom 37 (42.5%) had a structural cardiac malformation. […] The prevalence of heart murmur was 13.7 per 1000 neonate. If a murmur is heard there is a (42.5%) chance of their being underlying structural defects. […] The prevalence of murmur was 13.7 per 1000 of normal neonates during the period of study. […] In this study 42.5% of babies with heart murmur had structural cardiac malformation. […] About 5% of these malformation were serious enough that required early cardiac intervention. […] Babies with murmurs should be referred for early cardiology evaluation which will result either in a definitive diagnosis of congenital heart disease or in authoritative reassurance of normal cardiac anatomy and function.
#2 Evaluation and Management of Heart Murmurs in Children | AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/1001/p793.html
Heart murmurs are common in healthy infants, children, and adolescents. […] Heart murmurs are common in asymptomatic, otherwise healthy children. These murmurs are often innocent and result from the normal patterns of blood flow through the heart and vessels. […] The incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) varies between four and 50 per 1,000 live births. […] Newborns are at higher risk of having serious structural heart disease that presents as an asymptomatic murmur. Approximately 1 percent of newborns have a heart murmur, and 31 to 86 percent of these infants have structural heart disease, including asymptomatic newborns. […] The evaluation of newborns for CHD may include pulse oximetry after 24 hours of life. Clinical examination of asymptomatic newborns has a sensitivity of 46 percent for detection of CHD; this sensitivity increases to 77 percent when clinical examination is combined with pulse oximetry (with a cutoff of 94 percent).
#2 Heart Murmur in Children | Common Questions and Answers
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/h/heart-murmur
Innocent murmurs are very common! Some pediatric cardiologists estimate a heart murmur can be heard in 90% of children with anatomically normal hearts between the ages of 4-7 years. […] Most murmurs can be categorized into one of the above two categories with a careful evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist. […] Even if your child has been diagnosed with a heart murmur that is due to a structural problem of the heart, this does not necessarily mean that your child will need heart surgery. […] However, people who have structural heart problems (such as a hole in the heart or an abnormal heart valve) are at higher risk for developing an infection of the heart (endocarditis) following routine teeth cleaning and other dental procedures such as fillings.
#2 Understanding Heart Murmurs: What’s That Sound? – Paradise Valley Hospital
https://paradisevalleyhospital.net/understanding-heart-murmurs-whats-that-sound/
Have you ever heard of a heart murmur? If not, youâre not alone! Heart murmurs are relatively common, affecting up to 50% of children and 10% of adults. While some heart murmurs are harmless, others may be a sign of a more serious heart condition. […] If you have been diagnosed with a heart murmur, it is important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your condition. You should also see your doctor if you experience any new symptoms. […] Most people with heart murmurs can live normal, healthy lives. However, it is important to see a doctor regularly to monitor the murmur and the underlying heart condition.
#2 Heart Murmurs | American Heart Association
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-murmurs
Innocent heart murmurs are so common that around one-third to three-quarters of children will have an innocent murmur at some time between age 1 and 14. […] Non-innocent (or abnormal) heart murmurs are often caused by defective heart valves. […] Certain congenital defects and other conditions such as pregnancy, fever, anemia or thyrotoxicosis (a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland) can also cause murmurs.
#2 Heart murmurs in horse athlete
https://vet.arioneo.com/en/blog/heart-mumurs-in-the-horse-athlete/
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that can be heard superimposed on or added to normal heart sounds. […] Physiological murmurs are highly prevalent in young horses and thoroughbreds. […] The appearance of a murmur, whether functional, physiological or pathological, indicates an abnormality in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. […] Pathological murmurs are audible both at rest and during exercise. […] The cardiovascular system can adapt to compensate for leakage by increasing respiratory capacity and cardiac output. […] According to a 1995 study by Reef et al., horses with a heart murmur grade 3 to 6, a resting heart rate in excess of 60 beats per minute, and those showing symptoms of congestive heart failure are statistically less likely to be successful. […] Racehorses and young horses, particularly thoroughbreds, show a considerable prevalence.
#2 Abnormal and
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/innocent-heart-murmur
A heart murmur is an unusual heart sound. Many times a heart murmur isnât dangerous and is called an âinnocentâ murmur. Abnormal heart murmurs may point to an underlying heart condition that should be studied further. […] Abnormal heart murmurs in adults are usually related to defective heart valves. […] Heart murmurs related to valve problems should receive follow-up care. […] If a murmur is detected, follow-up tests may be recommended. Although some heart murmurs indicate heart valve problems, others are considered harmless. […] Any time a murmur is suspected to be associated with a valve problem that may need treatment or repair, itâs wise to look for a qualified health care professional with experience diagnosing and treating your condition. A specialist who regularly manages valve disease can assess your condition and offer treatment options.
#2 Are Innocent Heart Murmurs in Children Cause for Concern? | HealthFocus SA | University Health
https://www.universityhealth.com/blog/heart-murmurs-in-children
Most heart murmurs in newborns and children are normal. […] About 80% of healthy children will have an innocent heart murmur at some point, according to the American Family Physician. […] Innocent heart murmurs are not cause for concern and do not require treatment. […] Children with innocent murmurs dont have heart disease and should be as active as all other healthy children.
#2 You heard a what?! The truth about heart murmurs | Texas Children’s
https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/you-heard-what-truth-about-heart-murmurs
A murmur is not a disease and it is not an indication that your child needs heart surgery. Most kids with murmurs have healthy, normal hearts. Many murmurs can be followed by a pediatrician or nurse practitioner without referral to a cardiologist. […] The majority of murmurs in children are innocent sounds that go away with time. If referral is felt to be necessary, a pediatric cardiologist will be able to address any concerns that you may have.
#2 Understanding Heart Murmurs: When Should You Worry? | Orlando | UCF Health
https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/cardiology/when-to-worry-about-a-heart-murmur/
Heart murmurs, abnormal sounds that become apparent during the heartbeat cycle, can leave many individuals concerned and uncertain about their implications. Addressing heart murmurs is crucial, as they can serve as potential indicators of underlying heart conditions. However, not all heart murmurs are cause for alarm. […] Heart murmurs can stem from various underlying causes and risk factors including: […] Problems with heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), are significant culprits behind heart murmurs. […] Heart murmurs can also be a consequence of congenital heart defects, inherent abnormalities present at birth. […] Infections, such as endocarditis, an inflammation of the hearts inner lining, can wreak havoc on heart valves. […] Beyond valve disorders and congenital defects, various heart conditions can trigger murmurs.
#2 Heart Murmurs: The Difference Between Innocent And Abnormal | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MI
https://www.henryford.com/blog/2019/02/heart-murmurs-difference-between-innocent-abnormal
Heart murmurs are sounds made by blood as it passes through openings in the heart, such as valves. Your doctor can hear these murmurs while listening to your heart during a physical exam. […] Heart murmurs are not a symptom or a diagnosis but rather a physical exam finding, and they can be the first clue that leads to the diagnosis of a heart disease condition, says Dr. Frisoli. […] Your doctor will use an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart to determine if a murmur is innocent or abnormal. […] Abnormal heart murmurs can be caused by a large variety of valve conditions, say Dr. Frisoli. They can occur if you have heart disease or holes in your heart whether from birth or acquired, such as after a heart attack. […] Murmurs caused by heart disease are called pathologic murmurs. They occur when your blood travels through a leaky or narrowed heart valve. […] If you have a heart murmur, your doctor may order an echocardiogram, refer you to a heart specialist and make sure you schedule annual visits to monitor your heart health.
#2 Heart Murmurs: Types of Murmurs, Causes and Outlook | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/heart-murmurs
Heart murmurs in children are very common. As many as half of all children will have a heart murmur at some point before 18 years of age. It is important to understand what causes a heart murmur and what needs to be done to evaluate them. […] Heart murmurs may be caused by a number of factors or diseases, including the following: Defective heart valves, Holes in the interior heart walls (atrial septal defect or ventricular septal defect), Congenital (present at birth) heart defects, Fever, Anemia (a decrease in the red blood cells). […] Not all heart murmurs are symptoms of heart disease. Sometimes, a murmur may be heard in a normal child who has a fever or who is anemic; these murmurs often go away when the underlying problem is treated.
#2 Prevalence and clinical significance of cardiac murmurs in schoolchildren | Archives of Disease in Childhood
https://adc.bmj.com/content/100/11/1028
Objective To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of heart murmurs detected during heart disease screening among apparently healthy schoolchildren. […] The prevalence and clinical significance of heart murmurs among schoolchildren. […] Murmurs were detected in 2193 schoolchildren (2.7%), of whom 215 had a structural heart disease (SHD). […] The study suggested that apparently healthy schoolchildren with grade 2 cardiac murmurs are least likely to have underlying SHD, especially in those aged 10 years. However, echocardiography should be performed in younger schoolchildren with cardiac murmur grade 3.
#2 Heart murmur – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_murmur
Heart murmurs are frequently categorized by timing. These include systolic heart murmurs, diastolic heart murmurs, or continuous murmurs. These differ in the part of the heartbeat they make sound, during systole, or diastole. Yet, continuous murmurs create sound throughout both parts of the heartbeat. Continuous murmurs are not placed into the categories of diastolic or systolic murmurs. […] A medical provider (e.g. doctor) may order tests for further evaluation of a heart murmur. The echocardiogram is a common test used. This is also known as an „echo” or ultrasound of the heart. It shows the heart structures and blood flow through the heart. Further testing is usually done when symptoms that may be of concern are present. […] The need for treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity. In some cases, the condition causing the heart murmur may prompt monitoring. Sometimes, heart murmurs disappear on their own. This happens when the cause of the heart murmur is no longer present. Monitoring will help determine how the condition changes. It may stay the same, worsen, or improve. In other cases, the condition causing the heart murmur may not prompt any further tests.
#2 Heart Murmur > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/heart-murmur
If there is any reason to suspect a heart murmur may be abnormal, one or more tests will be used to diagnose the condition. […] When a heart murmur is found to be innocent or harmless, no treatment is needed. When a heart murmur is abnormal, the underlying health condition should be treated. […] People with innocent heart murmurs dont experience any complications from the condition. Most innocent heart murmurs in children disappear before adulthood. […] When someone has an abnormal heart murmur, the prognosis depends on the cause and severity of the problem.
#2 What Is a Heart Murmur? | Mass General Brigham
https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/what-is-a-heart-murmur
Most heart murmurs are benign, which means theyre harmless and dont cause health problems or put you at risk for other conditions. […] Up to 75% of children have a heart murmur at some point, says Dr. Philippides. These tend to be benign, and theyre just caused by high blood flow inside a healthy heart. […] Murmurs caused by these types of conditions or states are typically harmless and dont require monitoring or treatment, says Dr. Philippides. A benign heart murmur is often temporary. […] Some murmurs can be caused by significant heart or heart valve problems, says Dr. Philippides. […] Depending on how severe the heart problem is, your provider will want to see you at regular intervals, usually at least yearly. […] If your provider diagnoses the murmur as benign, you typically dont need any further medical care for it. If your provider is concerned the murmur may be serious, youll have additional testing. […] A benign murmur doesnt require treatment, but a murmur due to a heart problem requires ongoing monitoring and care. Depending on how severe the heart problem is, your provider will want to see you at regular intervals, usually at least yearly, says Dr. Philippides.
#2 Heart Murmurs: Harmless or Dangerous? | Atlantic Healthicon-arrow-left
https://www.atlantichealth.org/health-articles/heart-health/heart-murmurs–harmless-or-dangerous
When your doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope and hears a consistent âlub-dubâ rhythm, thereâs usually no cause for concern. But if they hear a whooshing or swishing sound between lubs and dubs, it may be a sign of a heart murmur. […] âHearing that you have a heart murmur can cause distress,â says Vignesh Raghunath, MD, a cardiologist at Atlantic Health System. âI reassure patients that most heart murmurs are benign and usually only require monitoring.â […] According to Dr. Raghunath, most young people with a heart murmur often do not require any treatment, while older people with a murmur should be monitored for progression of the disease. […] An abnormal heart murmur can indicate a heart valve disorder, a congenital heart defect, or another cardiovascular condition. […] In most cases, regular monitoring can be enough to keep symptoms at bay, avoid complications, and prevent the murmur from progressing into a more serious issue. […] For most, a heart murmur does not require treatment, rarely escalates into a significant health issue, and usually disappears in time. In rare cases, it can pose a significant health risk.
#2 Should You Worry About a Heart Murmur? | University of Utah Health
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2025/04/should-you-worry-about-heart-murmur
If the heart murmur reveals something wrong with a valve, it may require treatment, but most often its observed and monitored over time. […] When the murmur is related to heart disease, medications may be needed such as those that lower blood pressure and heart rate, manage fluid retention (diuretics), or function as blood thinners (anticoagulants).
#2 Get a jump on heart murmurs | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/get-jump-heart-murmurs
Its important to understand that most heart murmurs are caught at wellness exams and this stresses the importance of making and keeping annual appointments. […] Early diagnosis helps us intervene while theres still something we can do about it, whether its a puppy with a congenital problem, or an older dog with a new murmur, says Erin Corrigan ’94, D.V.M. ’98, medical director at VCA Fairmount Animal Hospital in Syracuse, New York. […] Monitoring is your best defense […] If your veterinarian tells you that they hear a heart murmur, they will likely recommend an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline cardiac function. Repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor progression. An echocardiogram is non-invasive and usually done without anesthesia or a sedative. It is an important diagnostic test that will help your veterinarian manage your dogs heart health.
#2 Heart murmurs in horse athlete
https://vet.arioneo.com/en/blog/heart-mumurs-in-the-horse-athlete/
The impact of a systolic heart murmur on an athlete’s sporting performance varies according to its origin. […] The slow onset of the murmur means that horses can tolerate the condition well, provided there are no signs of heart or lung failure. […] To date, there is no treatment for heart murmurs. Nevertheless, regular veterinary monitoring is recommended, particularly in the case of athletic horses subjected to intense repetitive effort, which places greater demands on their cardiac capacity.
#2 Heart Murmur Devices Market Size, Share, & Forecast, 2032
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/heart-murmur-devices-market-101869
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, 28.2 million adults in the U.S. were diagnosed with heart diseases in 2017, which is expected to favor the expansion of heart murmur devices market in North America. […] Asia Pacific is expected to register a remarkable growth in the global heart murmur devices market due to the increasing aging population, huge patient pool and increase in number of cardiac surgeries.
#2 Get a jump on heart murmurs | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/get-jump-heart-murmurs
Get a jump on heart murmurs […] With an early diagnosis, you can help your dog fight heart disease […] Early diagnosis is critical […] By the time symptoms appear, heart disease is likely […] Progression to heart failure is possible […] Puppies’ heart murmurs usually disappear. […] A heart murmur adds an extra sound to a heartbeat introducing a whooshing noise that your veterinarian can hear when they listen to your dogs heart. A murmur can be mild and barely detectable, or quite loud, and possibly even strong enough that your veterinarian can feel it when they put a hand on your dogs chest. […] Heart murmurs are graded on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being mild, and 5 being very loud and easily detected. They can lead to congestive heart failure, but thats largely dependent upon the dogs overall heart efficiency and how you handle the diagnosis and management.
#2
https://www.ekohealth.com/blogs/eko-blog/understanding-structural-heart-murmurs?srsltid=AfmBOorUf7qxePWcEs0d0ZPhK3ULfj_kexSXs6QPDv-W0hFZglbUNQn5
Structural heart murmurs can be early indicators of serious heart conditions, so early detection and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes. […] Early detection of structural heart disease, e.g., through murmur detection, is crucial to prevent complications such as heart failure and stroke. […] Risk factors for structural heart murmurs include a family history of heart conditions, prior episodes of rheumatic fever, prior endocarditis, and chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes that strain the heart. […] Nearly 1% of U.S. births (about 40,000 annually) involve congenital heart defects, a major cause of structural heart murmurs. […] Cardiovascular diseases, including those detected by murmurs, cause millions of hospitalizations annually in the U.S. […] Upwards of 50% of individuals with severe structural heart disease die within five years if left untreated.
#2 Heart Murmurs in Children – Children’s Hospital of Orange County
https://choc.org/heart/heart-murmurs-in-children/
Should you be worried if your child is diagnosed with a heart murmur? At least 50 percent of children have a heart murmur at some point during their life. […] Heart murmurs may be heard in a normal healthy heart of a child, or they may be caused by a number of factors or diseases, including: […] No, not all heart murmurs mean heart disease. Sometimes, a murmur may be heard in a normal child as the strong, healthy heart pumps blood into the vessels. […] Many heart murmurs are normal, extra sounds in children with strong, healthy hearts. These children require no treatment.
#2 Understanding Heart Murmurs: When Should You Worry? | Orlando | UCF Health
https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/cardiology/when-to-worry-about-a-heart-murmur/
Recognizing the symptoms and signs associated with heart murmurs is necessary for early detection and appropriate medical evaluation. […] If you experience persistent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, dizziness or swelling, especially in adulthood, these should raise red flags. […] From lifestyle adjustments and regular monitoring under the guidance of cardiologists to the potential use of medications or in some cases, surgical interventions, the treatment spectrum for heart murmurs varies widely.
#2
https://www.ekohealth.com/blogs/eko-blog/understanding-structural-heart-murmurs?srsltid=AfmBOorUf7qxePWcEs0d0ZPhK3ULfj_kexSXs6QPDv-W0hFZglbUNQn5
Early detection and diagnosis of structural heart murmurs are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Identifying heart murmurs early can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality, as they can indicate a range of conditions from benign to serious heart diseases. […] Cardiac auscultation, a stethoscope-based physical exam technique used by almost all clinicians, can identify murmurs indicative of changes in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. […] The SENSORA Cardiac Disease Detection Platform detects structural murmurs through rapid AI-based analysis of heart sounds and ECG signals collected with a modern digital stethoscope. […] Through this innovative technology, Eko ensures early and effective detection of heart murmurs, leading to increased quality of life and reduced mortality. […] Together, we can create a future where structural heart murmurs are detected early, leading to better patient outcomes and a significant reduction in heart disease-related complications and deaths.
#2 Heart Murmur Devices Market Size, Share, & Forecast, 2032
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/heart-murmur-devices-market-101869
A heart murmur is a sound that occurs due to turbulent blood flow within the heart. There are two types of murmur, harmless or innocent murmur, and abnormal murmur. Abnormal murmur is indicative of abnormal functioning of the heart or heart valves or issues related to the structure of the heart. Abnormal heath murmurs are caused due to congenital heart diseases, valve stenosis, valve regurgitation endocarditis, rheumatic fever, and others. […] Global heart murmur devices market growth is being driven by the rising prevalence of heart diseases, rapid adoption of sedentary lifestyles, increasing aging population, and favorable health reimbursement. Furthermore, growing awareness regarding early diagnosis of heart diseases and technological advancements leading to the introduction of heart murmur detection devices and software are also major factors that are anticipated to fuel the global heart murmur devices market.
#3 Understanding Newborn Heart Murmur
https://www.healthline.com/health/newborn-heart-murmur
Heart murmurs in newborns and children are common. A 2022 study found that up to 8.6% of infants and 80% of children have a heart murmur. […] Heart murmurs in children are very common and often go away on their own. However, its important to follow up with a pediatric cardiologist if your newborn has received a heart murmur diagnosis. Some heart murmurs may indicate an underlying condition that needs monitoring or treatment. […] If your newborn has an abnormal heart murmur, its important to continue their care with a pediatrician and a pediatric cardiologist. […] The outlook for newborns who have an innocent heart murmur is generally quite positive. Almost all children with innocent heart murmurs live healthy lives and may grow out of their murmur. […] Infants whose murmur is from congenital heart disease also generally have good outlooks, but there is a greater chance of further complications throughout their lives. Potential complications will depend on the murmur cause. However, treatment and management are available to reduce these chances.
#3 Abnormal and
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-problems-and-causes/innocent-heart-murmur
A heart murmur is an unusual heart sound. Many times a heart murmur isnât dangerous and is called an âinnocentâ murmur. Abnormal heart murmurs may point to an underlying heart condition that should be studied further. […] Abnormal heart murmurs in adults are usually related to defective heart valves. […] Heart murmurs related to valve problems should receive follow-up care. […] If a murmur is detected, follow-up tests may be recommended. Although some heart murmurs indicate heart valve problems, others are considered harmless. […] Any time a murmur is suspected to be associated with a valve problem that may need treatment or repair, itâs wise to look for a qualified health care professional with experience diagnosing and treating your condition. A specialist who regularly manages valve disease can assess your condition and offer treatment options.