Heart Murmurs: Heart Sounds You Should Be Worried About 

I had a dislocated shoulder and the ER dr told me I had a heart murmur. After further testing, I discovered I was born with a bicuspid valve. I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and an ascending aneurysm at the root of my aorta. I had open heart surgery for a replacement valve and aneurysm. Unfortunately, my electrical system was cut during the surgery, and I have 3rd degree heart block. Thus, I now have a pacemaker. However, the ER dr probably saved my life. I had no symptoms of any kind. I have never smoked. My surgeon said I probably would not have lived 6 months if it had not been found. Thankful to be alive 3 years later. My older brother died from a ruptured aorta at age 62.

Thanks Talking With Docs. Very warm vlog. Keep on posting, loving your content.!

I went to my obgyn for my annual checkup, and she said I have a heart murmur and recommended me to a cardiologist just to make sure everything is ok. I love my obgyn doctor she is very concerned to her patients. But maybe that's the reason why I do have shortness of breath sometimes, and I felt like someone poked my heart, and it hurts whenever i have that episode. I'm still waiting for my appointment, though. Thanks, doctors, for this video

I would like this 1000 times if I could. You all explain this so comprehensively and in a digestible way.

Dr. Heffernan rocks and is great part of the “Talking with Doc’s” Gang … yet another super informative video. Thank you !!

Wonderful video and so much information. Have had a murmur for a while now---late 50's. Was told it's not an issue. Having an echocardiogram at the end of May---I now have lots of questions to ask cardiologist from the information in this video!!

Wow. I've had heart palpitations for years - I can feel them. My Dr. listened to my heart and said it sounded like a heart murmur and is ordering the tests. But I have not slowed down, still workout every day (I'm 75) for 30 - 40 minutes of aerobics and moderate weight training with no adverse effects, I don't get dizzy or faint or any other symptoms except my heart feels like it skips a beat every so often - except now that I'm scared about this I can feel it as I write. Yikes I haven't been in a hospital since I was 21. Not liking it at all.

Hi Dr Z Dr E & Dr H 🙋😁 Thank you for this very important heart video ❤

Thanks so much for this one Docs. I always watch your videos even when the issue discussed doesn't affect me.

Thanks, guys. Appreciating you!

I ❤ this one. Very important information given in a very understandable way. (My best friend used to call me murmur so this one pulled on my heartstrings a bit.) Thanks to all 3 of you.

Very informational!! Thanks for taking the time to make it! Really appreciate the guest cardiologist, you all make a great team!

I had a mitral valve murmur most all my life, doctor told me when I was about 22 or so when he told me about it, that I only needed to get antibiotics for dental work, that was it, but now 2 years ago at 61 I had pneumonia I thought was bad bronchitis and went to the doctor, she was more concerned that I had tachycardia 156bpm, I had no idea and no symptoms at all. As she started treating the pneumonia that was in one lower lobe, with antibiotics by IV 3 days consecutively outpatient, I STILL had the 156bpm so she tried some tiny pill to bring that down and 5 minutes after I asked how long it took for the pill to work, my bp and heart rate plummeted and I felt sick so I called for the nurse, and they rushed me down the hall to the ER where they put IV's in both arms and then said they were transferring me to another hospital! I didnt want to go, with multiple large dogs at home and my computer and lights all on, I was expecting to return after that 3rd antibiotic IV, the ER guy said they thought I might have a blood clot in the heart causing the tachycardia. One thing led to another I was able to find someone that sunday night to go take care of my dogs 2x a day and left my door key with the ER people. At the other hospital 40 miles away, I had a cardioversion done with propofol putting me out for it, and they put me on medications, but I stayed for the pneumonia and respiratory therapy a few days. They said I had a mitral valve regurgitation which was fairly bad. Later I told the cardiologist that I wanted to put surgery on the table for discussion for a permanent FIX, that I don't want to deal with this with a bandaid using medications, and while I'm on health insurance at work and working its better to get it done sooner than later. So I went in for mitral valve surgery in Des Moines, and the surgeon said he could do a Cox Maiz procedure to correct the tachycardia at the same time. The angiogram showed everything else was fine, no blockages but some dilation. I woke up in recovery and the nurse said the pacemaker box on my left was the only thing keeping me alive, that I had to go back in the next morning to get a pacemaker put in, the COX procedure didn't work for some reason (That wasnt explained to me why) So I had a pacemaker put in and was discharged a few days later, the surgery was easy enough, hardly any pain at all, I didnt even touch the oxycodone at all, and recovered at home for 6 weeks and some phys therapy during part of it. It would appear to me, the mitrla valve leak caused a cascade- the dilation, and then the tachycardia coming from the change caused by the dilation, so I would say to anyone who has a valve leak- get it FIXED sooner than later, because it will ONLY get worse over time! The surgery was real easy, I was sore and it hurt to turn over in bed, etc, but I didnt have continuous PAIN, I did feel after 6 days in the hospital that I was dragging a concrete block behind me as I walked, its amazing how you lose muscle tone in 6 days, just a walk to the mailbox 100 feet was a chore, but it all resolved with phys therapy on the treadmill 3x a week and doing some of the other excersizes lifting small dumbbell weights. The surgical scare is practically GONE, they did go in thru the chest open heart not the robotic small incision type. What I always thought was that they put you on the heart-lung machine by going thru a big leg vein or something, but I learned NOPE! they actually connect tubes directly to the heart with a couple of small incisions, and then stop it for the surgery! I had a chest drain and 2 temp pacemaker wires, they removed those before I went home, the tube was as large as my finger diameter and the nurse said when she pulled it out it shouldnt hurt but will feel strange, I braced for it, it sure did feel strange, like a zipper but didnt hurt, same for the pacemaker leads. I had a nice private room because of the pandemic, great nurses and all.

I was told back as a teenager I have a slight murmur. A week after my 20th birthday I had my first child. I don’t remember why but immediately after the delivery I had an echo done before I even left the delivery room. Over the past 29 years every once in awhile someone will say something about. Earlier this year, one of my physicians did say it’s more noticeable!! As of now, nobody seems concerned.

The most informative medical information and so enjoyable to listen to and learn. You do a great service for us folks. Thank you very much! My wife has a "murmur" and now she can learn whether she has a stenotic situation or regurgitation. She has had it since birth and I am so pleased that Dr. Heffernan spoke to that situation. My wife's next visit with her cardiologist will be more educational :)

You keep coming up with really good answers to very important medical issues. Kudos.

My 85yr old mother has a heart murmur and has had tachycardia. She’s wearing a heart monitor now. Nuclear stress test is in May & echo in June. We’re quite worried. At least she’s already on warfarin so if that’s required it’s a no brained for her. Why is TAVR a 70+ option only? Seems less risky regardless of age. This was timely & informative and I thank you. It’s saved so I can rewatch when we see results. Thanks ✌️💙

Had the TAVR 3yrs ago. Was asymptomatic, but opening was.7. Had surgery on Fri am, went home on Sunday am.... felt like a million dollars.

Thank you so much for doing this! It can help so many…my husband was feeling very tired in November and we went to the doctor for a checkup. It turned out that he had a bicuspid valve that was almost fully blocked, and the doctors gave him 6 months to live without open heart surgery (his valve was too large for the TVAR). He had open heart surgery in January and is now recovering. Without that doctor visit, he would be dead in a matter of months. He was asymptomatic, besides being totally exhausted. He is only 60. Hopefully your video will alert someone to just get checked. It can save their life. ❤

I was diagnosed in 2001 with a murmur while pregnant with my twins and recently went to urgent care for a severe ear infection and Dr listened to my heart 3 times and said I should have my murmur checked out...she said it wasn't extremely concerning but I should have it looked at soon...so now I'm very worried

Had a murmur diagnosis at age 12. Luckily, the doctor said it was a functional murmur. No problems with my heart ever!❤

Love these 2..

Thank you, you three Wonderful Doctors! Very helpful!

I take magnesium g for my arrhythmias and leg cramps, and it has almost eliminated both. I had a cardiac ablation about 12 years ago for atrial flutter but still had frequent PVCs afterwards. Then i saw a show with Dr. Gupta and started taking magnesium. It has really helped.

Thanks doc,s you people are amazing I don't know how you keep all this information in your heads ,but I'm glad God made some humans a little smarter the rest of us a big thank you for your service to the community ,and even serious topics you can keep it light hearted ,who ever said Surgeons have no bedside manner ,I'd be very happy to have you do my Knee replacement I'm up for later this year . Cheers Kym Adelaide

These are great videos. Thank you for the information.

I have a heart mummer I just have gone threw stage four cancer and now they are telling me I have all this that you are telling me. I'm concerned that my body is to weak for open heart surgery. I live outside of Cincinnati and need to find a good heart Dr I have military insurance so I'm good to go that way. I just need someone to talk to and help me understand this. Thanks for listening .

I never got my last check up after my op as it was covid close down.i don't take any medication except aspirin, as all med made me ill, I am 79yrears young.❤❤

I just found out I have a heart murmur so this was very informative, thank you.

Great info and very timely for me . Thx.

It is amazing what the surgeon can do with cable ties.

Well done Doctors...talked about diet for about 15 seconds....I have been Carnivore for three years now and got my heart murmurs under control...just stopped eating processed foods and sugar...and seed oils

My chest is paining since many days I am taking PAIN PRESCRIBED MEDICATION FOR ARTHRITIS. Thanks again

Great discussion.. however, my cardiologist won't let me listen thru his stethoscope... so I'm disappointed that you guys did not include a sound bite of what a murmur sounds like!! How about a video that does include, various sound bites and an explanation of what the doctor is listening for, please!! And Choo Choo to you too!!

Very informative, great video, never to old to learn so,etching new…Tks guys…

I had a CTA 3D Heart with Contrast a few years ago and they said this on the report - Dual left anterior descending Type I as described above, anatomical variant, with long branch running on the surface of the left ventricle. Never really learned if this is good or bad or no difference??

Very useful information. Especially because family member can benefit from it. Thanks again, Docs. We, here at home, "HEART" you guys.. lol

Thank you for explanation

Good explanations. My murmer was picked up at age 16 at a naval entrance medical. At age 53 the ailing bicuspid aorta was replaced with a mechanical valve. They did a X4 artery graft at the same time. I had no symptoms and enjoyed walking up mountains. Be careful.

That was very interesting, very educational. I liked the straightforward approach--mechanical problem, mechanical solution. It was good coverage of many variations of murmurs. Great job!

Helpful information. I have a bicuspid valve and an ascending aortic aneurysm which currently measures 4.9cm. I get MRA scans every 6 months now. Initially I had an echocardiogram and MRI with contrast. They are watching and measuring the size of the aneurysm. I was told eventually I would need open heart surgery because the vessel will weaken and expand. Apparently there is a size of the aneurysm that they wait for it to reach, but not burst, to surgically repair. The surgery would be to replace bicuspid valve and fix the aneurysm. I was in my late 50’s when this was discovered and now I am 63. I live a healthy life style and exercise daily so I am hoping it will be a long time before I would need surgery. Thanks for your informative videos.

I am 52years, have a heart murmur and have been referred on. I have never smoked, eat healthy diet, exercise and drink moderately. My question, can dental Gum disease & periodontitis disease cause heart problems???

I went from a 1 in December to a 4 in April waiting for my echo cardio gram the end of May

December of 2021 - I was experiencing blurry vision in one eye only late at night. On a hunch, I took my blood pressure - it was 90/40. Went to my GP to verify on their BP Machine - same thing. Went to a Cardiologist and he dismissed that my low BP was due to losing 150lbs.(Low Carb). I knew I had to get a 2nd opinion. Went to 2nd Cardiologist - she found a heart murmur. After an echocardiogram and a Catheterization we found I had a regurgitating aortic valve that also had a 4-5mm hole in it. I needed open heart surgery to replace it. Back in April 2022 I had my open heart surgery to replace my valve. I also needed part of my left atrium clipped off to prevent AFIB. Months later I’m walking, driving, biking, and lifting 10lb dumbbells. Heart Surgeon left the pacer wires In my heart because he said: “That’s how Neil Armstrong died - when they pulled out the pacer wires he bled to death.”

As usual you guys have hit it out if the park. As a Canadian couple in our seventies, one with a bicuspid valve and stenosis this is one of the most informative talks you have done. You are our go to guys, keep up the absolute great work

wow - perfect timing for me to see this video - I'm seeing a cardiologist next week to get clearance for surgery cuz of a slight murmur. Now I'm going in with alittle more knowledge and a bigger comfort level !

I think I’ve had a heart murmur most of my life. But played sports throughout all my years, including more than 40 years of competitive handball. For the past 10+ years I’ve been a long-distance runner, hiker, biker and backpacker. I will be 76, this year and throughout all my annual physicals, I’ve never been referred to a cardiologist. My resting heart rate runs in the low 40’s, with equally low blood pressure. I am very active compared to any other person in my family or friends circle. Enjoyed the information but don’t think I have concerns.

Is a noise heart valve the same as a heart murmur?

Good show.

You guys are awesome! Thank you!

Story time: For many many months I was complaining to my primary doctor that I can feel my heart "skip a beat". We did blood test , MRI , Cat scan and other test and came out "normal". I was insisting that something wasn't right. This "skip a beat " feeling comes and goes. One day, I had an appointment with my diabetic Doctor and while I was waiting , I started to feel this abnormal beat. So when she came in , I told her that before we discuss anything , I need you to listen to my heart for at least a minute. She did hear what I was feeling. This got the ball rolling. Did a Nuclear Stress test and sure enough , had a procedure done the next week. Found out that I have a 95% blockage. The doctor send a picture of before and after. Wish I can show it to you guys so you can see it. 2 months later , I started to feel the "skip a beat" again. And now I'm telling my doctors and they say " we just fixed it". And here we go again ... If your body is telling you something , listen to it. Keep insisting that something ain't right even if your doctors tells you " your fine".

Thank you Docs, I am dealing with A FIB and on Eliquis at age 77., non smoker, not obese, daily exercise moderately, , diagnosed 3 months ago because of fatigue and irregular heartbeats. My Cardiologist is recommending a procedure angiography and possibly putting in a stent if necessary. I have had monitoring of my heartrate for 7 days, occasional irregular heart rate found,, a Nuclear Echo (no blockage found) and an EKG I think was ok. Would ablation be something that might help at my age? Also would a CAT scan be helpful., would that show any blocking in my arteries? Naturally at my age any heart procedures are concerning. I will continue with my cardiologist. I watch your videos all the time, thanks so much.

On one of your shows could you talk about a right bundle block of the heart. I was born with this and now nearly 80 years old have had no problems. Enjoy all your great information presented on Talking With Docs. Thank you....

I was told I have a slight mummer in my heart, I had a tripple bypass 4 years now.and they gave me ECG.last year.but the doc at the hospital said I can live with the mummer. ❤❤

Identification of a compound in spoiled clover that caused hemorrhaging in cows led to the discovery of warfarin.

My dog got an ulcer from medication that the veterinarian prescribed for her she kept getting sick I took her to the ER twice. They told me she was okay to take home she wasn't this was amazing to major teaching University anyway they told me she had an arrhythmia and a murmur in her heart. I told them no she didn't it must be related to the ulcer. They told me no that can't be, long story short after $10,000 of treatment. And a blood transfusion. The murmur went away, however they told me to be safe if I wanted to we would place a Holter monitor on her. Guess what now that her anemia is resolved her heart is fine. My point being do your due diligence with doctors people and don't believe every word and always get another opinion

I was WAITING for the acknowledgement of Ross! 👏 😂 U guys are hands down, my favorite murmur..ers!! ♥!

Very interesting info. I've had a heart murmur since childhood. I'm now a senior. Throughout my life when a doctor would use the stethoscope, they heard the murmur plain and clear and they always said it was nothing to be concerned about. As I got older, some doctors didn't mention that they heard a murmur, some did. Most recently, an APNP listened with a stethoscope and didn't mention a murmur, so I asked her if she heard a murmur and she said no, but since I mentioned it, she again listened for quite a while, then said she heard it. I was never told I needed any tests or meds. I did, on a separate occasion, many years prior, have a stress test and the doctor watching said there was nothing wrong with my heart. So I'm assuming I'm okay.

Well done! As a retired OR nurse in the US,this was informative and explained very well! Keep the videos coming,thanks.

Oh I loved this ❤️ I've had a murmur arrhythmia etc all my life & a few small ischemic attacks. Still kicking lol. I'm going for an Echo soon. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

Dr Heffernan needs better comedy writers to keep up with you guys. But, it was really valuable information. Good video, Docs.

When I see CNN reporter the beautiful Kyung Lah my heart makes a noise.

What causes skipped heartbeats?

Both of my little grandsons have heart murmurs. Could u please expand on or address if there r issues or big concerns to watch out for as they grow older?

What about regurgitation?

I was just told last week by my new GP that he heard a murmur. I've never been told that as adult, only as a child, 60+ years ago. I just turned 70 and started on a Medicare Advantage plan, so I'm waiting to hear back from him on what happens next. This video was perfect timing for educating me, at least on aortic stenosis related murmurs.

Hey docs, is water faster healthy? If I don't eat for a day every once in a while, is that good? I'm a little chubby also and slightly overweight.

Thank you all for all your amazing support, and you are all valued very much. But I do pray I never need to have an other big op.till my time on the earth is up.i am very grateful for all you amazing Doctors. But I am living a good live now.Amen❤❤❤

Interesting that younger people would get the valve that requires lifelong blood thinners. I understand that eliminates the need for repeat surgery, but seems like the lifestyle impact for someone who would like to be more active might balance out for accepting another surgery later in life

Simply excellent information as always. Highly appreciated!

Thank you keep us updated with necessary!

My father had TAVR surgery and within the first week needed a pacemaker. Unfortunately, his lungs could not handle the new valve. He passed away about 4 weeks after the surgery. Wishing he never had it 😪

At 20 I went to new Dr. for a physical and was told I had a murmur. I had never been told that growing up so they thought it could be new and off for testing I went. This was back in 1978, Come to find out I had a bicuspid aortic valve...fast forward 38 yrs later I was given the option of either a tissue or mechanical valve. Being a very active person prone to injuries I opted for tissue. 4 yrs-8mos later it failed and because of the valve used it was a second open heart😣. Now at 65 it's been 2+yrs, I hope this one lasts longer...I'm still very active and I have to say the recovery from the 2nd open heart was substantially easier... I was deer hunting 4 weeks later. I was told the next time they should be able to do a TAVR. I appreciate the TAVR explanation, I wasn't clear how that worked. Thanks.

Hi Docs: 2% have only 2 cusps?!? Dr. Z (as the Engineer in the group...) would refer to that as 'An E.O. to the Assembly Drawing'. (E.O. = 'Engineering Order').👍

Hi Doctors! I'd like to know if my exercise chest strap HRM would interfere with a Holter monitor? Thanks.

I am meeting with a vascular surgeon in the morning. To discuss treatment options for my recently diagnosed venus insufficiency and lydemia. Ahead of my fourth skin graft surgery scheduled for May the 4th.

My friends son aged 19 had a valve replaced last week. He had a patch up job at 6 days of age. His new valve makes a click a bit like the allegator that ate Captain Hook's hand going tick tock. He has to listen to that 100 k times a day for the rest of his life. He is home now and was told not to lift anything over 2 Kg. That just happens to be the size of a container of ice cream. What will happen when he tries to go through customs? The officers will all run like hell.

Very informative. I enjoy learning something new each day.What is life if we do not learn new things each day. Thank you doctors..

Let’s say someone had a prosthetic valve can they get a TAVR procedure once the pig valve has run it’s course? It’s true that once you get the new valve you feel a whole lot better.

If you have been told that you have mitral valve prolapse, could it actually be aortic stenosis. Or, could you have both?

Thanks for this particular video. My cousin (75yrs) leaving in Thunder Bay is having heart surgery next week (26Apr) for her (2nd) aortic valve replacement at. Hamilton General Hospital. The procedure is through the groin this time. It’s very informative. 👍

Thanks, Docs. Yes, thanks a lot - for giving me an easy one after a day's work! Will have to watch again and take notes this time, or have a lie down. Anyway - got to go to work! See you later....

Also breathing I had a puppy that was shipped to me and he would sleep upright I took him to my vet and the diagnosis on the paper said grade 5 sub aortic stenosis diagnosis fatal. I took him to a major teaching University and had a balloon angioplasty done on him by a cardiologist as well as a human cardiologist from a pediatric hospital observing to learn. The dog live to be almost 10 years old and what is written up in books he was over 100 pounds. My point being there's a lot you can do for your heart. I have some blocked arteries and have almost completely reversed my calcium score due to Lifestyle Changes and diet

This was a really great informative video! Y'all shucked it down to the Cob on this one . Guess Eliquis thins your blood to much that's what I'am on because of a PE I had. Would be interesting to have a video on what chemo does to your body & organs we probably don't want to know for us that's had it. Thank y'all so much for your videos you all are helping us to understand all of our issues .

I have a heart murmur

I’ve had a heart murmur since I was 16 (that’s the first I found out). Some doctors here it now and some don’t. I’m 50 now.

This is very interesting to hear about this word “murmur” it’s something new about the heart… thanks docs and Dr. Hefferson…

Excellent video my fav guys in blue!!! Lots of good info. My youngest son had a murmur when he was born, an they told me he'd outgrow it, and he did,❤

Thank you for this information. I am taking my almost 94 year old mother to a Cardiologist to see if she is a good candidate for repairing her moderate to severe aortic stenosis. Her regular Cardiologist seems to think she is. It is good to have a little knowledge before I go to the appointment with her in 2 weeks.

Thanks for this interesting informative video on murmurs! Although i still have questions especially on regurgitation which for lack of time was not fully explained, I’m feeling more confident in understanding these heart valve situations!

Great topic. I just received my 2nd Pacemaker last week.

Excellent video! 👍 This is so much great information that we need to know and it explains so much! I was told I had a heart murmur when I was in my 30's and even had an echocardiogram done during a hospital stay when having surgery (for an unrelated issue). Nothing showed up during closer review and no one has ever mentioned a heart murmur again. From everything you just told us, I don't think there's anything to be concerned about. My current doctor checks my vitals closely and I used to see a cardiologist who also didn't mention a murmur. The only reason I was seeing a cardiologist is because my regular doctor wanted to take me off my second blood pressure medicine and wanted a better choice than what I was on because of side effects. In the end, I was never put back on a second medication and my blood pressure has been fine with one. So I no longer see the cardiologist. It just seems strange that one doctor heard a murmur at that time in my life. Nothing was ever mentioned before or since. In fact, I hadn't really thought about it until you talked about it in this video. So I'm going to take it as being fine and have nothing to worry about! 😉 Thanks for sharing another great video!

Whats up Dr. Can i ask about mild Tricuspid regurgitation do u have any advice in this cause my 2D echo doppler has found out this type of disease what should i do?

I feel better about myself after watching this. A little aortic regurgitation at age 74 isn’t that bad actually. I’m coping well.

Thank U so much for making this video

A few years ago I was tested for a heart murmur and they determined it was a malformed valve that is a birth defect. It didn't show up until I was in my mid 50's. I ride a bicycle a lot, have been eating better and losing weight. My layman's assumption is that overall cardiovascular fitness will help minimize potential problems from this. Am I correct in such an assumption? I know that probably isn't a lot of detail to go on.

Thanks for a most interesting episode again

Very informative

My murmur comes from my Tricuspid valve.

Thanks to all three of you for teaching us more about our hearts! I hope you may do a segment on P.A.C.'s someday. I have AFib, and now my cardiologists think I may be having these too-waiting for my next visit.