10 Heart Murmur Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. Publishing, H. (2018, December). 'Heart murmur.' Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a to z/heart-murmur-a-to-z
- 2. Roland, J. (2017, June 23). 'Jugular Vein Distention (JVD): Causes, Assessment, and More.' (1249158163 925499376 S. Falck M.D., FACP, Ed.). Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/jvd
- 3. 'Heart Murmurs in Children.' (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=heart-murmurs-in-children-90-P01806
- 4. Larrabee, B., RN (Ed.). (2019, March 01). 'Congestive heart failure basics.' Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/healthAndWellness?item=%2Fcommon%2FhealthAndWellness%2Fconditions%2FheartDisease%2FchfBasics.html
A heart murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow, and it’s more often than not a nonthreatening event. Many people experience turbulent flow at some point, as it can develop when there is some form of exertion such as exercise or stress. Harmless heart murmurs, referred to as innocent murmurs, are more common in children (30 percent) than adults (10 percent).1Publishing, H. (2018, December). ‘Heart murmur.’ Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a to z/heart-murmur-a-to-z
However, heart murmurs can also indicate serious conditions such as a tight or leaky heart valve or congenital heart problems. In this case they are called pathologic murmurs. When an abnormal heart murmur is suspected, it’s best to seek medical attention.
1. Bluish Skin
Bluish skin is the result of decrease in the amount of oxygen rich blood. Extremities such as the fingertips and around the mouth are particularly susceptible to turning bluish. This is referred to as cyanosis, and when combined with heart murmurs, may indicate abnormal (pathologic) murmurs due to an underlying heart condition.
There are two types of cyanosis: peripheral cyanosis, which affects the fingers, limbs and nail beds and central cyanosis which affects the mucous membranes and the tongue.
2. Chest Pain
Chest pains are not only uncomfortable but can be an indication of a serious heart condition. Myocardial infarctions, myocarditis and coronary artery disease are just a few of these conditions.
Some of the causes could be arterial blockages, reduced blood flow or inflammation in the heart tissue. There are different types of chest pains, including sharp, stabbing, dull, burning and a crushing sensation. Chest pains may also indicate lung or abdominal issues; however, these are seldomly accompanied by heart murmurs.
3. Enlarged Neck Veins
A distended neck vein accompanied by heart murmurs may indicate increased central venous pressure. Jugular vein distention could indicate pulmonary hypertension and other serious medical conditions such as tricuspid valve stenosis and superior vena cava obstruction.3‘Heart Murmurs in Children.’ (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=heart-murmurs-in-children-90-P01806
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart). Restrictive pericarditis can cause pressure on the jugular vein, as it reduces the volume of blood the heart can accommodate. The pericardium fills with fluid and swells when infected, restricting the amount of blood flow.
4. Poor Eating and Abnormal Growth in Children
A child who has a heart murmur with no other symptoms is possibly experiencing innocent heart murmurs. However, when the heart murmur is accompanied by other symptoms, such as poor eating and growth, it could indicate anemia, an overactive thyroid gland or heart valve disease.3‘Heart Murmurs in Children.’ (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=heart-murmurs-in-children-90-P01806
It could also indicate fever and infection. Other symptoms to keep an eye out for include shortness of breath or fast breathing, swelling of the neck or feet and a bluish tinge to the fingertips and mouth.
5. Dizziness or Fainting
A sudden drop in blood pressure and heart muscle disease are some of the more serious causes of dizziness and fainting. A heart murmur is often an accompaniment to these conditions.
Dizziness and fainting happen when there’s blood flow restriction or a lack of oxygen in the blood. Look out for other symptoms that accompany dizziness, such as a blue tinge to the skin, clammy hands and shortness of breath.
6. Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes an individual to sweat profusely without cause. There are a number of conditions that cause hyperhidrosis, and treatments vary based on these underlying conditions.
When hyperhidrosis is paired with a heart murmur, it deserves further investigation. Studies found a strong link between hyperhidrosis and sympathetic nervous system overreaction. The overreaction in the sympathetic nervous system also suggests a strong connection with cardiovascular disease development and progression.
7. Chronic Cough
Pulmonary congestion occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Blood gets backed up, and congestion happens. Coupled with a heart murmur, a chronic cough can be indicative of congestive heart failure (CHF).
Blood tests, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms and chest x-rays are used to determine whether a patient has CHF. Other tests include magnetic resonance imagery and coronary angiogram. These tests can potentially pick up other underlying causes for the chronic cough that aren’t necessarily heart-related.
8. Shortness of Breath During Exertion
While some shortness of breath is normal during intense activities, it’s important to know when this is dangerous. When the shortness of breath is coupled with dizziness, heart murmurs and chest pains, it can indicate a cardiovascular issue.
Shortness of breath is caused when there’s not enough oxygen circulating through the body. The body still needs to work at full capacity, however. When a patient with an abnormal murmur participates in intense activities, they may feel excessive shortness of breath during exercise.
9. Enlarged Liver
While an enlarged liver is a symptom of heart murmurs, it’s not always easy to spot. However, a doctor can easily detect an enlarged liver during a physical examination. The liver is situated on the right side of the upper abdomen. When the liver is enlarged, patients may experience sharp abdominal pains, vertigo, nausea and vomiting.
Other signs of a liver problem include a lack of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes and excessive belching that smells sulphuric, like rotten eggs.
10. Swelling or Sudden Weight Gain
Sudden weight gain is picking up 2 to 3 pounds in a matter of a few days. When this happens, it can indicate that the body is retaining water. Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen is called ascites. Other telltale signs include swollen extremities such as the hands, feet and ankles.4Larrabee, B., RN (Ed.). (2019, March 01). ‘Congestive heart failure basics.’ Retrieved March 14, 2021, from https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/healthAndWellness?item=%2Fcommon%2FhealthAndWellness%2Fconditions%2FheartDisease%2FchfBasics.html
Water retention can also cause patients to urinate less frequently. It’s important to get testing to ensure that these symptoms aren’t due to heart failure.
