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Heart murmur or valve problem

Also called: Heart murmur, heart valve problem, valve disease, aortic stenosis, mitral valve prolapse

An extra whooshing sound a clinician hears with a stethoscope. Many murmurs are harmless, especially in children; others come from heart valves that are narrow or leaky.

ManyHarmless (innocent)
TestEchocardiogram
TreatmentWatching, medicines, or valve repair

Overview

Valves keep blood moving one way. A narrow valve (stenosis) or leaky valve (regurgitation) makes the heart work harder.

Aortic stenosis is common in older adults.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Heart murmur
  • Told I have a heart murmur

Less common

  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness
  • Swollen ankles

Look up a symptom: Fatigue · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs · Swollen ankles, feet, or both legs · Told I have a heart murmur

When to get medical care

Call 911Chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath.
Get care todayShortness of breath at rest or new swelling.
See a doctor soonA new murmur.

Causes

Aging, past rheumatic fever, birth differences.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Older age

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician listens to your heart.

Questions you may be asked

  • Shortness of breath, fainting

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Echocardiogram: Ultrasound of the heart.
  • ECG:

Treatment

Keep up with checkups.

Self-care

  • Keep echo appointments
  • Report new symptoms
  • Take care of your teeth

Valves can be repaired or replaced, sometimes through a catheter (TAVR).

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Most murmurs are innocent and need no treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Often harmless; valve problems are treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • How often do I need an echo?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Heart murmur or valve problem

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.