​Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs are abnormal sounds made by the blood as it rushes in or near the heart. The sounds are described as swishing or whooshing. A normal heart makes the typical “lubb-dupp” sound which is caused by the closing of the heart valves.

A heart murmur is not a disease but it can be an indication of an underlying heart problem such as a defected valve or a disease which results in elevated heart rate. More often they are not a cause for concern. Innocent heart murmurs are common in children and they don’t pose any health threat. Abnormal heart murmurs, in children, are often due to congenital heart defects.