Heart Murmurs

Many people believe that the term heart murmur refers to a defect or abnormality with the heart.  In reality, this is not the case. The term murmur simply means a noise or sound.  Therefore, the term heart murmur simply means a noise or sound which is heard in the heart.  It doesn't by any means imply that there is a problem with the heart.

There are many different types of heart murmurs.  Some murmurs are sounds which are produced by defects or abnormalities with the heart.  For example, a defective valve that doesn't open properly might produce a heart murmur as the blood flows past it. Likewise, a hole in one of the walls of the heart may produce a heart murmur as the blood flows through it.

On the other hand, many heart murmurs are termed “innocent” or “functional” murmurs.  In this case, there is no problem or defect producing the heart murmur. Instead, the murmur or sound is simply being produced by the normal flow of blood through the heart.  Fortunately, the majority of murmurs heard in young people are often innocent!

An easy way to think about an innocent murmur is to compare it to water that flows out of a faucet.  Almost any faucet will make some noise as water flows from it. Some faucets make louder noises than others.  However, just because one faucet is louder than another, this doesn't mean that there is a problem with that faucet!  Likewise, when blood flows through the heart, in some children it may make a louder noise than in other children, despite the fact that the heart is perfectly normal.

When a heart murmur is heard, it is important to determine whether it is due to some type of defect or problem, or on the other hand, an innocent murmur. In many cases this can be determined simply by listening. In some cases a referral to a cardiologist may be necessary. More advanced testing, for example an ECG or echocardiogram, may also be necessary. An echocardiogram (an ultrasound) is used to evaluate the structure of the heart and look closely at the valves and walls of the heart. 

If the heart murmur is determined to be innocent, then one can rest assured that the heart is completely normal.  Since the heart is normal, no special restrictions or precautions are needed.  Full activity is permitted.  A person with an innocent heart murmur is not at any increased risk for heart related problems in the future.