What would cause you to believe that someone has a heart murmur?

A person may exhibit the following symptoms:

1. Abnormal Heart Sound: A heart murmur is often characterized by an unusual or abnormal sound in the heartbeats, such as a swishing, rasping, blowing, or rumbling sound. These abnormal heart sounds can be heard through a stethoscope during a physical examination by a healthcare professional.

2. Chest Pain or Discomfort: Some people with a heart murmur may experience chest pain or discomfort. The discomfort may be described as pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest.

3. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, particularly with exertion or physical activity, can sometimes be a sign of a heart murmur.

4. Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue or tiredness that is not related to physical activity or increased exertion can be a symptom of a heart murmur, especially if it's accompanied by other signs.

5. Dizziness, Lightheadedness, or Fainting: Some individuals with a heart murmur may experience episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting (syncope).

6. Palpitations: A person with a heart murmur may describe a sensation of the heart racing, pounding, skipping beats, or fluttering (palpitations).

7. Swollen Ankles, Feet, or Legs: In some cases, a heart murmur may indicate underlying heart problems that affect blood circulation, leading to fluid retention and swelling in the lower limbs.

8. Bluish Skin Tone (Cyanosis): If the heart murmur is related to a critical congenital heart defect, it can cause cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin, usually around the lips and fingers.

9. Difficulty Feeding or Failure to Thrive (in infants): In infants with a heart murmur due to a congenital heart defect, poor feeding, weak sucking, or failure to gain weight appropriately may be observed.

It is important to note that not all murmurs indicate a serious heart condition. Some heart murmurs are innocent, meaning they do not require medical treatment. Nonetheless, if you suspect that someone has a heart murmur, it's essential to seek medical evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and receive appropriate care and management.