Heart and Vascular

What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound in your heartbeat. Your doctor may notice it when listening to your heartbeat with a stethoscope. Many cases of heart murmurs are harmless, which are called innocent heart murmurs. Sometimes, they are telltale signs of a mechanical problem with the way blood flows through your heart.

Innocent heart murmurs may not have any symptoms. However, symptoms such as chest pain, chronic cough, bluish skin and nails, dizziness, shortness of breath and unexplained weight gain may accompany an abnormal heart murmur.

If you are concerned about your heart, talk to your primary care provider. Or, if you want to talk to someone at the Heart & Vascular Center, call (574) 537-5000 to make an appointment.

The fellowship trained specialists at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center believe that clinical collaboration results in the best care. Trust our team to diagnose and treat your heart murmur in Goshen, IN, with advanced, compassionate care.

Diagnosing what's causing your heart murmur

Heart murmur sounds may vary in their loudness and duration, as well as occur at different times during the heartbeat. Your doctor at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center will grade the heart murmur using this information.

Low-grade murmurs that are short and quiet are more likely to be harmless and temporary. They can be caused by conditions that increase blood flow, such as pregnancy, fever and rapid growth spurts.

An abnormal heart murmur may be caused by:

  • Congenital heart disease, including septal wall and valve defects present at birth
  • Heart valve disease, the most common cause of abnormal heart murmurs
  • Endocarditis, an infection of the moist lining that surrounds the heart
  • Rheumatic fever, a complication of strep throat that can damage the heart

If we detect a heart murmur, we may recommend additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, chest X-ray or cardiac catheterization, to confirm the diagnosis. To correct the problem and resolve related symptoms, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include medication or a cardiac procedure.

We can help

Our team uses the latest technologies to treat a wide range of heart and vascular conditions. We strive to improve the health of our community. If you notice signs of heart disease, see your primary care provider or call (574) 537-5000 for a referral today.

Goshen Heart & Vascular Center provides leading-edge heart murmur treatment in Goshen, IN, for the people of northern Indiana and southern Michigan.