When blood within the heart is turbulent it can lead to a rushing sound. This is referred to as a heart murmur. A heart murmur is usually the result of a fault in an individual’s heart valves. This faulty valve does not allow for the proper blood flow and can also cause leaking. Another culprit is a rapid heartbeat, which causes more blood to be pumped in the heart than the heart can handle. Usually an individual is unaware that they have one until a physical exam by their family physician. More often than not this condition is not serious in nature and does not cause any major health concerns. However, this is not always the case. Continue reading to learn about the most common indicators of a heart murmur.
Blueish Fingertips or Lips
Arguably the most alarming indicator of a heart murmur is blue lips and/or fingertips. This occurs when an individual’s blood does not get adequate oxygen or their blood is not circulating properly. This condition is referred to as cyanosis and is serious as it means that the person’s heart is not getting an adequate amount of blood to their vital systems. Therefore, if you happen to experience this it is crucial that you seek medical attention right away by calling 911 or rushing to the emergency room if you can get there sooner. It only takes anywhere from three to five minutes for hypoxia to occur, which can result in permanent brain damage or, in more extreme cases, death.
