As this eMedTV article explains, a heart murmur is an unexpected sound that is heard while listening to a person's heartbeat. While most are harmless -- and are even present from birth -- some are an indication that there is a problem with the heart.
The human heart is a hollow, muscular, fist-sized organ that pumps blood through a network of blood vessels. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at the different parts of the heart and explains how they function within the circulatory system.
As this eMedTV article explains, the causes of heart murmurs can range from an increased amount of blood flowing through the heart to illnesses such as rheumatic fever. This page provides detailed information about other possible causes.
Most people with a heart murmur don't have symptoms. This eMedTV Web page explains, however, that sometimes a patient may experience symptoms (such as chest pain and shortness of breath) that could signal more serious health issues.
When diagnosing a heart murmur, a doctor classifies the murmur as systolic, diastolic, or continuous. This eMedTV resource takes you through the diagnostic process, including details on tests that may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
In most cases, heart murmur treatment involves medication or surgery. However, as this eMedTV article explains, treatment is generally only required in cases of abnormal heart murmurs. This page lists other conditions that may require treatment.
When heart murmurs occur in children, they are usually harmless. This part of the eMedTV Web site takes a closer look at this topic, explaining how abnormal murmurs in children may be treated with medications or surgery.
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