In heart sound contain of two sound "Lub" and "Dub" When one of these sounds is not distinct, but is more of a gurgle, a person is said to have a heart murmur. What could cause this?

Heart murmurs sometmes, but not always, indicate a heart valve problem. Some types of murmurs are harmless. For a list of possible causes, see

http://www.mamashealth.com/heart/hmurmur.asp

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during the cardiac cycle, which can be caused by various underlying conditions. There are two types of heart murmurs: innocent murmurs, which are harmless, and pathological murmurs, which are associated with heart disorders.

To diagnose the specific cause of a heart murmur, a healthcare professional would typically perform a thorough evaluation, which may include the following steps:

1. Medical history: The doctor will inquire about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and any family history of heart conditions. This helps narrow down potential causes.

2. Physical examination: During physical examination, the doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to the heart sounds and identify the characteristics of the murmur. They will pay attention to factors such as the timing, loudness, pitch, and location of the sound.

3. Diagnostic tests: Several tests may be conducted to provide a more accurate diagnosis. These may include:

- Echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound waves to create a detailed image of the heart's structure and function. It helps identify any structural abnormalities or problems with the heart valves.

- Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect any irregularities in its rhythm or rate.

- Chest X-ray: This test provides an image of the heart and lungs, which may reveal any abnormalities or signs of heart disease.

- Cardiac stress test: This test evaluates the heart's response to physical activity by monitoring the heart's electrical activity, blood pressure, and heart rate while the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike.

- Cardiac catheterization: In this invasive procedure, a thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel and threaded through to the heart. Contrast dye is injected to visualize the coronary arteries and check for blockages.

Potential causes of heart murmurs can include:

- Valvular disorders: Conditions such as mitral valve prolapse (MVP), aortic stenosis, or aortic regurgitation can lead to abnormal blood flow through the heart's valves, resulting in a murmur.

- Structural heart defects: Birth defects or structural abnormalities of the heart, such as ventricular septal defects (VSD) or atrial septal defects (ASD), can cause turbulent blood flow and murmurs.

- Cardiac conditions: Various cardiac conditions, including myocarditis, endocarditis, or cardiomyopathy, can produce abnormal heart sounds.

- Fever or anemia: In some cases, a murmur may be temporary and caused by conditions like high fever or severe anemia.

It's important to note that only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the individual's specific case.