You may have gone to your GP for a routine check, or for something completely unrelated, and been told that your doctor can hear a heart murmur. That can feel worrying, especially if you feel well and had no idea anything sounded different.
A heart murmur is an extra sound heard when a clinician listens to your heart with a stethoscope. Some murmurs are harmless and happen when blood flows through a normal heart in a slightly noisy way. Others can be a clue that one of the heart valves needs checking.
The word “murmur” can sound alarming, but it is not a diagnosis on its own. The useful next step is to understand why the sound is there, whether it is likely to be innocent, and whether you need an echocardiogram or specialist review.
What does it mean when a doctor hears a heart murmur?
When a doctor listens to your heart, they are listening for the usual sounds made as the heart valves open and close. A murmur is an extra sound, sometimes described as a whooshing, swishing or blowing noise.
This sound is caused by blood flow that is more turbulent than usual. That can happen in a heart that is otherwise normal, or it can happen because blood is moving through a narrowed or leaking valve.
The murmur itself does not tell the whole story. Doctors look at where the murmur is heard, how loud it is, when it happens during the heartbeat and whether it travels to areas such as the neck or back. They will also consider your age, symptoms, medical history and whether you have any known heart problems.
Can a heart murmur be harmless?
Yes. Many heart murmurs are harmless, especially when the heart structure and valves are normal. These are sometimes called innocent or flow murmurs.
A harmless murmur may be heard when blood is moving faster than usual, such as during fever, pregnancy, anaemia or other situations where the heart is pumping more actively. Innocent murmurs are also common in children and young adults, although this article is focused mainly on adults who have been told about a murmur.
If the murmur is harmless and the heart is otherwise normal, treatment is not usually needed. Your doctor may still suggest further checks if the murmur has certain features, if it is new, or if you have symptoms such as breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness or fainting.
When can a heart murmur point to a valve problem?
Some murmurs are caused by heart valve disease. The heart valves help blood move in the right direction through the heart. If a valve is narrowed, leaking, stiff or not closing properly, blood flow can become more turbulent and create a murmur.
A narrowed valve is called stenosis. A leaking valve is called regurgitation. Some valve changes are mild and only need monitoring. Others can put extra strain on the heart over time and may need treatment.
A murmur can sometimes be the first clue, before symptoms appear. This is why an echocardiogram may be recommended if your doctor suspects valve disease. An echo can show the valves in more detail and help decide whether the murmur is harmless or linked to a structural heart problem.
What symptoms with a heart murmur should I watch for?
Many people with a heart murmur have no symptoms. This is common with innocent murmurs and with some mild valve changes. Symptoms matter because they can suggest that the murmur is linked to a heart problem affecting blood flow or heart function.
Symptoms to take seriously include:
- Breathlessness, especially during activity
- Reduced ability to exercise as usual
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Fainting, especially during exertion
- Palpitations
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Swelling in the ankles or feet
These symptoms do not automatically mean the murmur is dangerous, but they should be assessed. For example, ankle swelling can have several causes, but if it appears alongside breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance or a known murmur, it is worth discussing promptly with a clinician.
How do doctors check whether a murmur needs tests?
Your doctor will usually start with a careful history and examination. They may ask whether you have breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, palpitations, ankle swelling or reduced stamina. They may also ask about high blood pressure, previous heart problems, rheumatic fever, pregnancy, anaemia, fever, family history of valve disease or inherited heart conditions.
The main test for checking a murmur is an echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It can show the heart valves, the size of the heart chambers, how strongly the heart is pumping and whether blood is flowing normally.
Other tests may be used depending on the situation, such as:
- An electrocardiogram, or ECG, to check the heart rhythm
- Blood tests, for example if anaemia, thyroid problems or infection are possible
- A chest X-ray in some cases
- Exercise or stress testing if symptoms happen during exertion
- Cardiac MRI in selected cases
Not everyone with a murmur needs every test. In UK guidance, an echocardiogram is offered when valve disease is suspected and there are symptoms, signs, an abnormal ECG or certain features of the murmur. If someone has a murmur and faints during exertion, this needs urgent specialist assessment.
When should I get medical help for a heart murmur?
Speak to a GP or healthcare professional if you have been told you have a new heart murmur and you are not sure whether you need further tests. You should also seek advice if you have breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, chest discomfort or swelling in the ankles or feet.
You should ask for medical advice if you have a family history of heart valve disease, an inherited heart condition, previous heart problems, or if you have been advised to arrange an echocardiogram or cardiology review.
Seek urgent medical help if you develop:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fainting, especially during exercise
- Significant or worsening breathlessness
- New severe palpitations with feeling faint or unwell
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- Symptoms that feel like a heart attack, such as chest pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back, sweating, nausea or severe breathlessness
Call 999 if symptoms are severe, sudden or feel like a medical emergency.
Once you know the cause, the murmur becomes less frightening
A heart murmur can be unsettling to hear about, especially when it is found by chance. In many cases, it is a harmless sound and no treatment is needed. In others, it is an early clue that a heart valve or another part of the heart needs checking.
The important thing is not to sit with uncertainty. Once the cause is clear, your doctor can tell you whether you simply need reassurance, occasional monitoring or treatment. A murmur is a sound worth understanding, not a diagnosis to panic over.
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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 01/07/2026
