A heart murmur is a sound made by turbulent blood flow through the heart, and your doctor might hear it during a routine checkup. While many murmurs are harmless, some may point to an underlying heart condition, so further evaluation is often recommended. Understanding the diagnostic process helps you prepare for the next steps in your care. Here is more information about heart murmurs and diagnostics:
Stethoscope Examination
A stethoscope examination is the initial step in evaluating a heart murmur. The doctor may listen to your heart in a quiet room. They might ask you to breathe normally, hold your breath, or change positions, as these actions may alter the murmur’s sound. Using different positions, such as squatting or standing,blood flow patterns change, which helps a doctor identify characteristics of the sound.
The physician notes several features of the murmur during this exam, and these details guide the next steps. They might listen for:
- Pitch
- Loudness
- Timing
Based on these findings, a doctor determines if additional testing is necessary. A minor heart murmur might not require further evaluation, but a murmur with concerning features will lead to more detailed imaging and monitoring to get a clearer picture of your heart’s health.
Electrocardiogram Imaging
An electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG or ECG, records the heart’s electrical activity. This simple and painless test provides information about your heart rate and rhythm. While you lie down, a technician attaches small, sticky electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs.
The electrodes connect to a machine that translates the heart’s electrical signals into a graph. An EKG shows how fast your heart is beating, and it reveals whether its rhythm is steady or irregular. The test itself takes only a few minutes to complete. The EKG patterns can indicate heart muscle damage or enlargement, which may be associated with certain types of heart murmurs.
Echocardiography Imaging
Echocardiography uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. This ultrasound of the heart is a cornerstone for evaluating murmurs because it provides real-time visualization of the heart’s structure and function. A technician applies gel to your chest and moves a small wand, called a transducer, across the skin. The transducer sends sound waves to the heart and captures the echoes that bounce back.
These echoes are typically converted into detailed images on a monitor. The images allow your doctor to see the heart’s chambers, valves, and walls. They can measure the size of the chambers and see how well your heart is pumping. Echocardiography directly visualizes the heart valves, allowing a doctor to identify problems such as narrowing or leaking that may cause a murmur. This test gives a comprehensive view of your heart’s mechanics.
Holter Monitor
If a doctor suspects an irregular heartbeat that is not constant, they might suggest a Holter monitor. While continuously recording your heart’s electrical activity, you can go about your daily routine. Small electrodes are attached to your chest, and these are connected by wires to a small recording device you can clip to a belt or carry in a pocket.
Get Treated for Heart Murmurs
After completing the diagnostic tests, your doctor will have a clear understanding of your heart murmur. The treatment plan will depend entirely on the underlying cause. If you have questions about your diagnosis or the next steps, contact a healthcare provider to discuss your personalized treatment plan.
