The majority of heart murmurs do not present with any symptoms. The typical murmur is usually found during a routine physical exam by auscultating (listening to) the chest with a stethoscope in a doctor's office. In adults, symptoms associated with a heart murmur can present very slowly and can easily be misdiagnosed as age-related body changes.
Symptoms In Adults
Medical conditions that can result in the formation of a heart murmur are diseases that can cause a significant amount of work for the heart. This can lead to the development of outward physical symptoms. One indicator is cyanosis or a bluish color to the skin. This is most easily seen in the fingertips or lips.
Symptoms can also manifest in the form of difficulties during physical exertion or activity. This can cause respiratory complications like shortness of breath, breathlessness, or a chronic cough. The patient may feel excessive fatigue, dizziness, or fainting with exercise. Additionally, they could experience heavy sweating with minimal exertion or heart palpitations (brief episodes of a rapid heart rate).
In cases of extreme heart disease, a murmur can be an indicator of heart failure and lead to further symptoms like chest pain. The ineffective blood flow can cause a backup of blood leading to enlargement of the liver or distended (widened) neck veins. A patient may also experience swelling and unexplained weight gain.
Symptoms In Children
Similar to adults, children can have heart murmurs with no outward signs or symptoms. However, in the case of a congenital heart defect, the child may also develop cyanosis, or a bluish tint to the skin. Infants with a heart murmur may have trouble gaining weight as they have to expend extra calories pumping blood.
Risk Factors
Family history plays a factor in the risk for developing a heart murmur. In children, the likelihood of being born with a congenital heart condition (a heart condition which develops before birth) increases if there is a history of other family members with similar conditions.
Illness during pregnancy can lead to the development of heart defects in the womb, which can lead to a heart murmur. These include uncontrolled gestational diabetes or a rubella infection. Additionally, the use of alcohol or drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk of heart complications.
In older adults, family history can also play a factor in the development of valvular disease or other chronic heart conditions. A person has a higher risk of developing a condition that could result in a murmur if other blood relatives have had a similar history.
Additional risk factors include conditions that cause the heart work harder. These include uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) and coronary artery disease.
