Information on Heart Murmurs

• Heart Murmur

As this eMedTV article explains, a heart murmur is an unexpected sound that is heard while listening to a person's heartbeat. While most heart murmurs are harmless, some can signal heart problems.

• Human Heart

This eMedTV resource offers an in-depth look at the human heart, a hollow, muscular, fist-sized organ that pumps blood through a network of blood vessels. As part of the circulatory system, the human heart supplies oxygen to all the body's cells.

• Causes of Heart Murmurs

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 the causes of heart murmurs.

• Heart Murmur Symptoms

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.

• Heart Murmur Diagnosis

When making a heart murmur diagnosis, a doctor classifies the murmur as systolic, diastolic, or continuous. This eMedTV resource takes you through the process of making a heart murmur diagnosis.

• Heart Murmur Treatment

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.

• Children and Heart Murmurs

When they occur in children, heart murmurs are usually harmless. As this eMedTV article explains, the treatment of children with abnormal heart murmurs may involve medications or surgery.