What defect causes a heart murmur?
Heart murmurs are abnormal sounds that can be heard during a heartbeat. They are caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart, which can be due to a variety of conditions, such as:
- Heart valve defects: These are the most common cause of heart murmurs. They can occur when the heart valves do not close properly, allowing blood to leak back through the valve. This can cause a whooshing or clicking sound.
- Congenital heart defects: These are defects that occur in the heart before birth. They can also cause heart murmurs.
- Coronary artery disease: This is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to a heart murmur.
- Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause the heart to beat faster and stronger, which can lead to a heart murmur.
- Anemia: This is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. This can lead to a heart murmur.
- Fever: This can cause the heart to beat faster, which can lead to a heart murmur.