Summary about Disease
A flow murmur is a heart murmur caused by the rapid flow of blood through a normal heart valve. It's generally considered a benign or innocent murmur, meaning it's not caused by a heart defect and doesn't usually require treatment. Flow murmurs are common, especially in children, adolescents, and during conditions like pregnancy or anemia when blood volume is increased.
Symptoms
Flow murmurs themselves typically don't cause any symptoms. The murmur is usually detected during a routine physical examination. If symptoms are present, they are generally related to the underlying condition causing the increased blood flow (e.g., shortness of breath in anemia, fatigue in pregnancy).
Causes
Flow murmurs are caused by increased blood flow through a normal heart. Common causes include:
Physiological:
Fever
Exercise
Anemia
Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism
Rapid growth in children and adolescents
Conditions with Increased Cardiac Output:
Any condition that increases the heart's workload, such as anxiety or stress.
Medicine Used
Flow murmurs are usually benign and do not require any medication. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition that is causing the increased blood flow. For example:
Anemia: Iron supplements or other treatments to increase red blood cell count.
Hyperthyroidism: Medications to regulate thyroid hormone levels.
Is Communicable
No, flow murmurs are not communicable. They are not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Because flow murmurs are not inherently harmful, there are generally no specific precautions to take. Management focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, if any. Individuals should follow their doctor's recommendations for managing any underlying conditions.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak" associated with flow murmurs. They are not caused by infection and do not spread. The murmur may be present as long as the condition causing the increased blood flow persists (e.g., the murmur may disappear once anemia is treated or after pregnancy).
How is it diagnosed?
Flow murmurs are typically diagnosed during a physical examination using a stethoscope. The doctor will listen to the heart sounds and note the characteristics of the murmur (timing, location, intensity, pitch, quality). Further evaluation may include:
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to visualize the heart structure and function. It helps rule out any underlying structural heart defects.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess the heart's electrical activity.
Blood tests: To check for anemia, thyroid problems, or other underlying conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
Flow murmurs themselves usually have no associated symptoms. If symptoms are present, they relate to the underlying condition:
Onset: The murmur is typically detected during a routine examination.
Duration: The murmur persists as long as the underlying condition causing the increased blood flow is present.
Resolution: The murmur may disappear once the underlying condition is treated or resolves on its own (e.g., after pregnancy).
Important Considerations
Although most flow murmurs are benign, it's important to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying heart conditions, especially if new symptoms develop or if there's a family history of heart disease.
Even if a flow murmur is diagnosed, regular follow-up with a doctor is recommended to monitor for any changes.
It is important to determine the underlying cause for flow murmur and treat the specific cause to help with flow murmur.