15 Heart Murmur Symptoms That May Indicate Serious Issues

5. Chest Pain (Angina): The Heart's Urgent Cry

Any chest pain should be taken seriously, but in the context of a heart murmur, it can be a dire symptom. While not always a heart attack, murmurs caused by severe valve issues, like a narrowed aortic valve (aortic stenosis), can lead to angina. This occurs because the heart muscle itself isn't receiving enough oxygenated blood due to the increased workload or restricted flow. Sharp, crushing, or pressure-like chest pain, especially during exertion, signals critical cardiac stress and the urgent need for medical evaluation, potentially indicating severe valve damage.

6. Unexplained Fatigue & Weakness: The Energy Depletion

Chronic, unexplained fatigue and generalized weakness that doesn't improve with rest are insidious symptoms of a serious heart murmur. When the heart's pumping efficiency is compromised by a faulty valve, vital organs and muscles don't receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. This leads to a pervasive lack of energy, making even simple daily activities feel arduous. This often-dismissed symptom should never be ignored, as it signifies systemic under-perfusion due to an overworked or failing heart.