Are Heart Murmurs Genetic?

A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a “whooshing” or “swishing” noise. While many heart murmurs are harmless and require no treatment, they can sometimes signal an underlying heart condition. A common question is whether these murmurs have a genetic component.

The answer is nuanced. While a heart murmur itself is not directly inherited, some of the structural heart problems that cause murmurs can be passed down through families. For this reason, it is important to discuss your family’s health history with a primary care provider to better understand any potential risks.

Distinguishing Between Innocent and Abnormal Murmurs

Heart murmurs are broadly categorized into two types: innocent and abnormal. Understanding the difference helps determine when concern is warranted.

Innocent Heart Murmurs

These are the most common type of heart murmur, especially in children. They are simply the sound of blood flowing normally through a healthy heart and its vessels.

Innocent murmurs are not a sign of a heart problem and typically do not cause symptoms. They may appear when blood flow increases, such as during:

• Physical activity
• Fever
• Pregnancy
• Rapid growth spurts
• Anemia
• Overactive thyroid gland

Abnormal Heart Murmurs

These murmurs are more serious and suggest an underlying structural issue. In children, they are often caused by congenital heart defects. In adults, they are more commonly related to valve disease.

Heart Murmurs and Genetics

Family history plays a significant role in heart health. Certain genetic conditions that cause structural changes in the heart can be inherited and may lead to an abnormal murmur.

If a close relative has a heart defect, your risk may be higher. Conditions linked to inherited murmurs include:

Valve Disease

Valve conditions such as aortic stenosis or mitral valve prolapse may have a genetic basis and can cause heart murmurs.

Septal Defects

Septal defects are holes in the heart’s septum and may be inherited. These include atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

This inherited disease causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which can obstruct blood flow and create a murmur.

Heart Murmurs as Warning Signs

Innocent murmurs do not cause symptoms. Symptoms associated with abnormal murmurs come from the underlying condition and may include:

• Bluish or gray skin, lips, or fingernails
• Chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs, or feet
• Heavy sweating with minimal activity
• Poor feeding or failure to thrive in infants

Heart Murmur Diagnosis and Treatment

If a provider detects a murmur, they will determine whether it is innocent or abnormal. If abnormal, tests such as an echocardiogram may be recommended to identify the cause.

Treatment depends on the underlying condition. Medication may be used to manage symptoms or prevent complications, while some patients may require surgery to repair structural issues.

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider About Heart Murmurs

If you have questions or concerns about a heart murmur or your heart health, contact your primary care provider. They can perform an exam and discuss their findings with you.

Our provider directory is an excellent resource for finding care near you.

If you have concerns about a heart murmur or your overall heart health, call 1.877.371.4506, visit our provider directory to find a Baptist Health cardiology provider, or take a Health Risk Assessment to better understand your heart health risks.