At the Cardiovascular Institute P.A., our staff believes that a healthy heart results in a better quality of life. You may have heard the term "heart murmur" before and automatically deemed it as something associated with a heart attack. Though that's a misconception, a heart murmur can cause chest pain because the heart works harder to pump blood throughout the body. If you fear you might have a condition that would benefit from the attention of a cardiologist, visit Dr. Daljit Muttiana in our Tomball, TX, office for peace of mind.
Knowing the Signs of a Heart Murmur
There are two types of heart murmurs: innocent and pathological. Only a cardiologist can tell the difference between the two, but there are some ways to make yourself aware. By definition, a heart murmur is a sound that produces when blood gets pumped through a heart valve and creates a loud sound that's heard with a stethoscope. One shouldn't pay much mind to the innocent type. However, the pathological kind often results from abnormalities. Patients with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease should pay attention to chronic coughing, chest pain, dizziness, and anything out of the ordinary.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a heart murmur, Dr. Muttiana will pinpoint some symptoms through a series of tests to determine if treatment is necessary. During the examination in our Tomball, TX, office, he'll likely listen to your heartbeat with a stethoscope, request an electrocardiogram, or suggest a chest x-ray. He may also ask questions relevant to a (potential) family history of cardiovascular disease or another underlying condition, such as overactive thyroid, anemia, or high blood pressure. A heart murmur itself doesn't often require treatment. However, if a heart problem is a cause, mild cases may benefit from medication. Meanwhile, more severe types typically need surgery to correct.
If a heart murmur is giving you any cause for concern, schedule a consultation with Dr. Daljit Muttiana to rule out abnormalities. For more information about other conditions we treat and services provided at the Cardiovascular Institute P.A., visit our website. Please call (281) 357-5700 for appointment scheduling in our Tomball, TX office.
