Heart Murmur

Overview

A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. While some heart murmurs are harmless and pose no health risks, others may signal an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention. At Cardiology Care NYC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating heart murmurs with precision and care.

Causes

Heart murmurs can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from harmless to more serious medical conditions. Common causes include:

• Innocent murmurs: Often found in healthy individuals, these murmurs are typically harmless and do not indicate heart disease.
• Congenital heart defects: Structural abnormalities in the heart present from birth can lead to murmurs.
• Valve abnormalities: Conditions such as mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis, or regurgitation can cause abnormal blood flow and murmurs.
• Infections: Endocarditis or rheumatic fever can damage heart valves, resulting in murmurs.
• Other conditions: Anemia, hyperthyroidism, or high blood pressure can sometimes contribute to the development of a murmur.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have been told you have a heart murmur, our specialists in NYC can provide an accurate diagnosis to determine the cause and recommend the best treatment options.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a heart murmur begins with a comprehensive physical examination. During this process, your doctor will listen to your heart using a stethoscope to detect any unusual sounds. If a murmur is detected, additional tests may be recommended, such as:

• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound of the heart provides detailed images to evaluate heart structure and function.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity to detect abnormalities.
• Chest X-ray: Helps assess the size and shape of the heart and detect any lung issues.
• Cardiac catheterization: A more advanced test to identify potential blockages or structural defects.

At Cardiology Care NYC, we use state-of-the-art technology to ensure an accurate diagnosis and create personalized treatment plans.

Treatment

The treatment for a heart murmur depends on its underlying cause. Some murmurs may not require treatment, while others may necessitate medical intervention. Common treatments include:

• Medication: To manage symptoms or underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or infections.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a heart-healthy diet, exercising, and managing stress can improve overall heart health.
• Regular monitoring: In some cases, periodic check-ups may be all that’s needed to ensure the murmur isn’t progressing.

Our team of heart murmur specialists in NYC is committed to providing compassionate care and the most effective treatments tailored to your needs.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you:

• Experience symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath.
• Have a known heart murmur but notice changes in your symptoms.
• Have a family history of heart conditions and are concerned about your heart health.

Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life. The Cardiology Care NYC team is here to help you every step of the way.