The Truth About Innocent Heart Murmurs
Most people remember the exact moment a provider tells them, “I hear a murmur.”
For many adults, it happens during a routine check-up. You feel fine. You came in for something simple. Then your provider pauses for a moment while listening to your heart and shares that they hear a sound you were not expecting.
In many cases, the murmur your provider hears is simply an innocent heart murmur. Think of your heart like a steady rhythm that keeps your entire life going. Most of the time, it beats quietly in the background. But every now and then, when your provider listens, they may hear a soft extra sound.
That sound is a murmur, and when your heart is healthy and the sound is harmless, we call it innocent. It doesn’t mean your heart is damaged, your valves aren’t working, or that you have heart disease. It simply means that blood moving through your heart made a sound.
Why adults get innocent murmurs
You may wonder how a murmur shows up when you feel perfectly fine. Innocent murmurs often appear when the body makes the heart work a little harder than usual. These are everyday situations that increase blood flow and create a temporary sound.
Some common reasons include:
- Low iron levels
- Fever or illness
- Pregnancy
- Intense exercise
- Stress or anxiety
- Dehydration
- Overactive thyroid
- Temporary changes in blood pressure
Imagine a car engine working slightly harder when you drive uphill. The engine is normal. It is simply responding to the moment. Your heart works the same way.
Once the body returns to its usual rhythm, the murmur often settles down or goes away. If anything needs a closer look, an echocardiogram may be recommended. This test shows the heart valves and blood flow in motion. Most of the time, the heart looks perfectly normal.
Innocent murmurs and symptoms
Innocent murmurs do not cause symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing or discomfort. They are not responsible for fatigue or swelling.
If a person does experience symptoms such as unusual tiredness, chest sensations, swelling in the legs, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeats, these usually come from another cause. It’s important to mention them so your provider can help you get clarity.
Cardiac warning signs women should never ignore:
Chest pressure or tightness (not always “crushing pain”)
Pain beyond the chest including the jaw, neck, shoulder, upper back, arms and upper stomach
Sudden shortness of breath
Cold sweats or clamminess
Nausea, indigestion or stomach pain
Unusual fatigue
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Women’s symptoms are more likely to be subtle, occur at rest or even during sleep, and be mistaken for anxiety, stress or indigestion. If any of these symptoms occur suddenly, feel unusual for you, or happen in combination, call emergency services or visit your nearest emergency department.
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Juan Del Cid Fratti, MD, MSC, is a board-certified structural and interventional cardiologist with Memorial Physician Clinics Southern Mississippi Heart Center. He sees patients in Biloxi and Ocean Springs, providing comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on advanced diagnostic and interventional procedures. Call (228) 575-8020 to learn more.