A heart murmur can contribute to feelings of tiredness, though this is not always the case. Some heart murmurs are harmless, while others signal underlying heart conditions that can affect energy levels.
Understanding Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. This sound results from turbulent or rapid blood flow through the heart’s valves or vessels. Heart murmurs are broadly categorized into two types: innocent and abnormal.
Innocent murmurs are common, especially in children, and do not indicate a heart problem. They are harmless and do not cause symptoms such as fatigue. Abnormal murmurs, however, suggest an underlying heart condition, such as issues with heart valves or structural defects, and can lead to various symptoms.
How a Heart Murmur Can Lead to Fatigue
Fatigue caused by a heart murmur stems from the heart’s reduced efficiency in pumping blood. When an abnormal murmur is present, it signifies a condition that makes the heart work harder. For instance, heart valve problems like stenosis, where a valve is narrowed, force the heart to exert more pressure to push blood through a smaller opening. Conversely, regurgitation, or a leaky valve, means blood flows backward, requiring the heart to re-pump blood that has already passed through.
These inefficiencies impair the heart’s ability to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and organs. When cells do not receive a sufficient supply of oxygenated blood, they cannot produce energy effectively. This reduced supply contributes to persistent fatigue. The increased workload on the heart also contributes to overall fatigue, as the organ is under constant strain.
Additional Signs of a Significant Murmur
When a heart murmur is significant enough to cause fatigue, it presents with other noticeable signs. Shortness of breath is a common symptom, particularly during physical activity or when lying down, indicating the heart’s struggle to circulate blood effectively. Chest pain or discomfort may also occur, varying from sharp sensations to a dull ache.
Dizziness or lightheadedness, and in some cases fainting, can signal that the brain is not receiving enough blood flow. Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen, known as edema, can develop due to fluid retention when the heart’s pumping mechanism is disrupted. Individuals might experience rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeats, known as palpitations. These symptoms, especially when combined with persistent fatigue, suggest the need for a medical evaluation.
Seeking Medical Advice
If you experience persistent fatigue, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms, or if you have a known heart murmur, consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can assess the murmur by listening to your heart with a stethoscope and determine if further investigation is needed. This initial step helps differentiate between an innocent murmur and one that indicates an underlying condition.
Diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of your heart’s structure and function, may be performed to understand the cause of the murmur. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the heart’s electrical activity, and a chest X-ray can show if the heart is enlarged. Based on these findings, appropriate management or treatment can be planned, which may involve medication or other interventions if a significant heart condition is identified.