Heart murmurs and heart valve problems in adults Tāwara manawa me raruraru takirere manawa ki ngā pakeke

Possible causes of a heart murmur range from minor blood flow changes to severe heart valve problems, which can affect the normal functioning of your heart.

There are 2 types of heart valve problem.

• The valve is narrowed and so is not able to open properly (stenosis).
• The valve is not closing properly, which allows blood to leak back (regurgitation or insufficiency).

The main causes of these valve problems are:

• aging of the heart valve
• being born with an abnormal valve
• damage from rheumatic fever
• infection of the heart valve (endocarditis).

Rheumatic fever

Infective endocarditis

Most heart murmurs do not cause any symptoms. If you get symptoms with heart valve problems, these can include:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• fainting or light-headedness
• swelling of your feet, legs or stomach
• reduced ability to do physical activity.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will listen to your symptoms and check your heart, pulse and blood pressure.

If needed, you may have tests including:

• an electrocardiogram (ECG)
• an echocardiogram.

Tests for heart problems

Many people with heart murmurs or heart valve disease do not need any treatment. You may need regular check-ups, including an echocardiogram.

If you need treatment this will vary depending on:

• which valve or valves are affected 
• how badly the valve or valves are affected
• how well your heart muscle is coping
• your symptoms and general health.

Common treatments for heart valve disease include:

• taking medications
• open heart surgery to repair or replace a valve
• valvuloplasty — using a balloon to widen a narrowed heart valve
• transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) — putting in a new valve without removing the old valve. 

Heart treatments and procedures

If you have a heart valve problem, there are things you can do to manage your health.

• If you smoke, stop smoking.
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days.
• Eat well and lose weight if you need to.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Manage stress using techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga or Tai Chi.
• Practice good sleep habits — aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
• Look after your teeth — infection from your mouth can get into your bloodstream and cause infection in your heart valves (endocarditis).
• Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers you have a heart valve problem. You may need antibiotics before some procedures. procedures.

Quitting smoking

Physical activity