Your heart might "hum" due to a heart murmur, which is essentially the sound of noisy blood flow within your heart.
Understanding Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur isn't a disease itself, but rather a sound your doctor can hear while listening to your heart with a stethoscope. Think of it like listening to water flowing smoothly through a pipe versus water rushing through a narrow or obstructed passage – the latter creates more noise. In the case of your heart, this "noise" is the murmur. The sound is often described as a whooshing, humming, or rasping sound between the normal heartbeat sounds.
Causes of a "Humming" Heart
Several factors can contribute to abnormal blood flow and cause a heart murmur:
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Defective Valves: Your heart has valves that ensure blood flows in the correct direction. If a valve doesn't open or close properly (e.g., narrowed valve or leaky valve), it can cause turbulent blood flow.
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Congenital Heart Disorders: Some people are born with heart defects that affect blood flow. These defects can range in severity.
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Anemia: Anemia (low red blood cell count) can cause your blood to become thinner and flow more rapidly, potentially leading to a murmur.
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Other Conditions: Less commonly, conditions like pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, or fever can temporarily increase blood flow and cause a murmur.
Are Heart Murmurs Always a Problem?
Not all heart murmurs are cause for concern. Innocent murmurs, also known as functional murmurs, are common, especially in children. These murmurs don't indicate an underlying heart problem and don't require treatment. However, it's crucial to have any heart murmur evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause and whether any intervention is needed.
What to Do if You Suspect a Heart Murmur
If you or your doctor suspect you have a heart murmur, further testing may be necessary. This can include:
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Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to visualize its structure and function.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart.
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Chest X-Ray: Provides an image of the heart and lungs.
Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine the cause of the murmur and recommend appropriate treatment, if needed.
In conclusion, a "humming" heart typically indicates a heart murmur, caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. It's essential to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and whether treatment is required.
