Heart Murmur
Heart murmurs can occur for a number of reasons, some relatively benign and some more serious. You can take charge of your heart health by coming to Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown Manhattan, for the best heart murmur diagnosis and treatment with renowned New York cardiologist Mark Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC.
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat cycle, often described as a soft swishing or whooshing noise, distinct from the typical "lub-dub" sounds of a healthy heart. This swishing sound reflects irregular blood flow within the heart and can result from a variety of underlying conditions.
Heart murmurs may develop for several reasons. Certain systemic conditions such as anemia, high blood pressure, and thyroid disease can affect blood flow and cause murmurs. Pregnancy can also lead to temporary murmurs due to increased blood volume and changes in circulation. Structural issues within the heart itself, including congenital defects present at birth, are another major cause.
Additionally, problems with the heart valves are common contributors to heart murmurs. These issues can include valve stenosis, where a valve becomes thickened or narrowed, limiting normal blood flow; valve prolapse, where one of the heart valves does not close properly; and valve regurgitation, where blood leaks backward through a valve, disrupting normal circulation.
How Are Heart Murmurs Diagnosed?
Heart murmurs are often first detected during a routine physical examination when a healthcare provider uses a stethoscope to listen to the heart’s sounds. If a murmur is heard, further diagnostic testing is typically recommended to better understand its cause and significance.
Common diagnostic tools include a chest X-ray to view the size and shape of the heart, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the heart’s electrical activity. Echocardiography, which uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart in motion, is considered the most valuable tool for evaluating the structure and function of the heart and identifying any abnormalities contributing to the murmur.
In some cases, a Holter monitor — a portable device worn for 24 hours or longer — may be used to continuously record the heart’s rhythms over an extended period. Blood tests may also be ordered to detect underlying conditions, such as thyroid disorders or anemia, that could be responsible for the murmur.
What Is the Treatment for Heart Murmurs?
Not all heart murmurs require treatment. Innocent or functional murmurs, which are harmless and not linked to heart disease, often resolve on their own without intervention. When a murmur is due to an underlying condition like anemia or a thyroid disorder, treating the root cause frequently leads to resolution of the murmur.
However, when heart murmurs are associated with structural problems, particularly involving the heart valves, specific treatments become necessary. Depending on the severity, management may involve medications to regulate heart function and prevent complications such as clot formation. In more serious cases, surgical intervention may be needed to repair or replace faulty valves. Many valve procedures today can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, offering benefits such as reduced recovery time, lower risk of complications, and smaller incisions compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
How Can Dr. Mark Meyer Help You with Heart Murmurs?
At Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine, we deliver personalized, expert care tailored to the complexities of heart murmurs and cardiovascular health. We champion early detection and precision management, blending advanced diagnostics with therapeutic strategies to preserve and enhance heart function. With a commitment to clinical excellence and individualized attention, our practice ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of medical care in an atmosphere of sophistication and trust.
Meet Dr. Mark Meyer
Mark L. Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC, is a board-certified physician and among the leading cardiologists and internists in New York. He is the founder of Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown, Manhattan, serving patients throughout New York City. Dr. Meyer integrates different approaches to medicine to provide his patients expert and personalized care at every step of the health journey.
