During a routine physical examination, your healthcare provider may listen to your heart and hear an unusual sound between heartbeats. This sound is known as a heart murmur.
Hearing that you have a heart murmur can be concerning, but not every murmur indicates a serious heart problem. Some heart murmurs are harmless, while others may be associated with changes in the heart valves or other structural heart conditions.
Understanding what a heart murmur means and when additional testing may be appropriate can help you take a more informed approach to your cardiovascular health.
For individuals looking for a cardiologist in Lakewood, CA, a cardiovascular evaluation can help determine whether a heart murmur requires monitoring, further testing, or additional care.
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound that can be heard when blood flows through the heart or nearby blood vessels.
Normally, blood moves through the heart in a predictable pattern. In some cases, blood flow can create a sound that is heard through a stethoscope as a whooshing or swishing noise.
A heart murmur itself is not a disease. Instead, it is a finding that may be harmless or may indicate an underlying cardiovascular condition.
Are All Heart Murmurs Dangerous?
No. Some heart murmurs are considered innocent or harmless and do not require treatment.
However, other murmurs may be related to an underlying issue involving the heart valves or heart structure. The importance of a murmur depends on several factors, including its characteristics, your symptoms, medical history, and overall cardiovascular health.
This is why an appropriate cardiovascular evaluation in Lakewood, CA, can be helpful when a new or unexplained heart murmur is identified.
What Can Cause a Heart Murmur?
There are several possible causes of heart murmurs.
Innocent Heart Murmurs
Some murmurs occur even when the heart is structurally normal. Changes in blood flow can sometimes create temporary or harmless heart sounds.
Heart Valve Problems
A heart murmur may occur when a valve becomes narrowed, stiff, or does not close properly.
Congenital Heart Conditions
Some people are born with structural differences in the heart that can cause a murmur.
Other Medical Conditions
Certain conditions that affect blood flow may also contribute to the development of a heart murmur.
A cardiologist can help determine whether additional testing is appropriate based on your individual situation.
Can a Heart Murmur Cause Symptoms?
Many people with heart murmurs do not experience symptoms.
However, if an underlying heart condition is present, some individuals may experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Heart palpitations
- Unusual fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
- Reduced ability to exercise
These symptoms can have different causes and do not always indicate a heart murmur or heart disease. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How Is a Heart Murmur Evaluated?
If a healthcare provider detects a heart murmur, they may recommend further evaluation based on your symptoms and medical history.
A cardiovascular evaluation may include:
Physical Examination
Your cardiologist may listen carefully to your heart and evaluate factors such as the timing and characteristics of the murmur.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to create images of the heart. It can provide information about heart structure, valve function, and blood flow.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An EKG records the electrical activity of the heart and may be recommended depending on your symptoms and overall cardiovascular health.
Additional Cardiac Testing
Other tests may be recommended when additional information is needed to understand your heart function.
A heart specialist in Lakewood can determine which tests may be appropriate for your individual needs.
When Should You See a Cardiologist for a Heart Murmur?
You may want to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if:
- You have been told that you have a new heart murmur.
- You are experiencing unexplained shortness of breath.
- You have recurring chest discomfort.
- You experience dizziness or fainting.
- You have frequent heart palpitations.
- You have a family history of certain heart conditions.
- Your healthcare provider recommends additional cardiac testing.
Early evaluation can help identify whether a murmur is harmless or related to an underlying heart condition.
What Happens After a Heart Murmur Diagnosis?
The next steps depend on the cause of the murmur.
For some people, no treatment may be necessary, and regular monitoring may be sufficient. For others, treatment may focus on managing an underlying condition affecting the heart or heart valves.
Your cardiologist can explain your evaluation results and recommend appropriate next steps based on your specific cardiovascular needs.
Heart Murmur Evaluation in Lakewood, CA
At Premier Choice Cardiology, we provide comprehensive cardiovascular care in Lakewood, CA, for patients with a wide range of heart health concerns.
If you have been told that you have a heart murmur or are experiencing symptoms that may require cardiovascular evaluation, our team can help assess your heart health and determine whether additional cardiac testing is appropriate.
We proudly serve patients in Lakewood and nearby communities, including Long Beach, Bellflower, Cerritos, Paramount, and Downey.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Heart Health
A heart murmur is not always a sign of a serious problem, but understanding its cause is important. If your healthcare provider has identified a heart murmur or you are experiencing concerning cardiovascular symptoms, a professional evaluation can provide valuable information about your heart health.
If you are searching for a cardiologist in Lakewood, CA, or need a cardiovascular evaluation for a heart murmur, contact Premier Choice Cardiology to schedule an appointment.
Taking a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health can help identify potential concerns and guide appropriate care for your individual needs.
