Heart Murmurs

A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. It occurs when blood flows through the heart or blood vessels in a turbulent way, which can be caused by many factors, including heart valve issues or increased blood flow. Not all murmurs indicate a health problem; some are harmless, especially in children, while others may signal underlying heart conditions that need further evaluation. Doctors typically use a stethoscope to detect murmurs and may perform additional tests if needed.