Clear, prompt assessment of a heart murmur found on examination, with straightforward advice on what it means and whether further tests are needed.
Symptom assessment
Private heart murmur assessment in Hampshire
Not an emergency service. Call 999 for a medical emergency. Do not wait for a private appointment.
You have been told you have a heart murmur. What now?
A heart murmur is an extra sound heard between or alongside the normal heartbeats, usually picked up during a routine examination by a GP, at a medical, or in pregnancy.
Many murmurs are harmless flow murmurs. Others reflect a valve that is narrowed or leaking, or a structural heart condition that needs proper characterisation. The murmur itself is not a diagnosis. The assessment is about deciding what it represents and whether echocardiography or follow-up is needed.
When a murmur needs urgent care
Most murmurs are picked up incidentally in someone who feels entirely well and can be assessed on a routine private basis. That is not the case if a murmur is found alongside chest pain, blackouts, severe breathlessness, blue lips, or signs of acute heart failure.
If you are acutely unwell, seek emergency care first. Private assessment is suitable for stable patients who need a clear explanation and a sensible investigation plan.
What causes a heart murmur
Innocent flow murmurs
These are common, especially in children, younger adults, pregnancy, fever, anaemia or thyroid overactivity. The murmur reflects normal blood moving quickly through a structurally normal heart.
Valve or structural causes
A murmur can also come from a valve that has become narrowed or does not close fully, or from another structural heart problem. The murmur itself does not reliably tell you severity; that usually needs imaging.
What happens at your assessment
Dr Cassar takes a focused history, including when the murmur was first heard, any symptoms of breathlessness, chest discomfort, palpitations or reduced exercise tolerance, and relevant background such as pregnancy, anaemia or previous heart disease.
Examination helps characterise the murmur and look for associated signs. A resting ECG may be performed. If the murmur is new in adulthood, unclear, or potentially structural, an echocardiogram is usually the key test.
Tests that may help
Echocardiogram
The key test for a murmur, showing valve structure, how well valves open and close, and heart chamber size and function.
ECG
A resting tracing to look for rhythm abnormalities, chamber strain or other clues that support the clinical picture.
Blood tests
Useful when anaemia or an overactive thyroid is a plausible explanation for a flow murmur.
Exercise testing
Considered in specific cases where symptoms with exertion need clarifying alongside a murmur.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heart murmur mean I have a heart problem?
Not necessarily. Many murmurs are innocent flow murmurs in a structurally normal heart. Others reflect a valve or structural problem that needs characterising.
Can a heart murmur come and go?
An innocent flow murmur can become louder or quieter depending on circulation, for example during fever, exercise or pregnancy. A structural valve murmur is usually more consistent, though examination findings can vary.
Is a loud murmur always more serious than a quiet one?
No. Loudness gives clues but does not reliably predict severity. A quiet murmur can occasionally reflect significant valve disease, while a loud one can be innocent.
Do I need an echocardiogram every time a murmur is found?
Not always. An echocardiogram is arranged when the clinical picture is unclear, new in adulthood, or suggests a structural valve issue.
Can anaemia or thyroid problems cause a murmur?
Yes. Anaemia, fever, pregnancy and an overactive thyroid can increase blood flow enough to produce a flow murmur. The assessment considers these reversible contributors.
How quickly can a murmur be assessed privately?
Availability varies between clinics; please call to ask about current appointments. If there are acute symptoms such as blackout, chest pain or severe breathlessness, emergency care is more appropriate.
Book a private heart murmur assessment
If a heart murmur has been picked up and you would like it properly assessed, a consultation can clarify whether it is likely to be innocent or needs imaging. Private consultations are held at Candover Clinic or The Hampshire Clinic, both in Basingstoke. Patients from Winchester are welcome. Call to ask about current availability.
Or call 020 3198 9826 or email medicalsecretary@drcassar.co.uk
Not an emergency service. Call 999 for a medical emergency. Do not wait for a private appointment. Medical information disclaimer.