We often hear reports from people who present the callings. heart murmurs, also known as heart murmurs. While many people believe it is heart disease, this is not always true.
A heart murmur is a noise caused by the turbulent flow of blood, which is usually noticed during a routine examination using a stethoscope. Generally speaking, we can classify heart murmurs into innocent or pathological.
You innocent heart murmurs, also called functional, are those that are not related to pathologies and do not require any type of treatment. They occur as a result of a turbulent flow of blood that, in this case, does not present physical changes in the heart. This type of murmur can be the result of some illness that is not related to heart problems, such as fevers and anemia, or it can also appear after physical exercise. Innocent murmurs are very common in children, young women and pregnant women. It is estimated that approximately 50 to 70% of children had this type of murmur at school age.
You pathological murmurs
, unlike innocents, are the result of heart problems, such as changes in the heart valves. They can be congenital or acquired and are usually accompanied by tiredness and chest pain. These murmurs can be the result, for example, of arctic stenosis or valve insufficiency. In the first case, there is an arterial narrowing, while in vascular insufficiency there is a closing of the valves. They are also commonly the result of complications from some diseases, such as rheumatic fever and myocarditis.According to the intensity of a breath, it can be classified into six different degrees. Grade I is related to a murmur that is quite difficult to be perceived, whereas grade VI is related to a murmur that can be heard even without the use of a stethoscope.
Diagnosis of the disease is based on the patient's report and physical examination. In addition, the doctor may recommend additional tests, such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and chest X-rays. These tests can show heart defects that may be responsible for the murmur, such as narrowing of the valves.
After diagnosis, treatment varies according to the type of murmur existing. Innocent murmurs, as highlighted above, do not require treatment or any restriction on the patient, who can lead a normal life. Those with congenital pathological murmurs may need surgical intervention.
Although there are ways to directly prevent heart murmurs, it is possible to try to avoid the disease by properly treating tonsillitis, thus avoiding rheumatic fever. Also, in case of pregnancy, adequate prenatal care and care in relation to the use of some substances can prevent malformations in the heart and, consequently, the murmur.
IMPORTANT: A heart murmur does not prevent you from performing physical activities, as long as you correctly follow all the cardiologist's instructions.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/biologia/sopro-no-coracao.htm