15 Heart Murmur Symptoms That May Indicate Serious Issues

13. Unexplained Fever or Chills: Red Flag for Endocarditis

An unexplained fever or recurrent chills in someone with a known or suspected heart murmur is a serious warning sign for infective endocarditis. This dangerous condition occurs when bacteria or other germs enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged or abnormal heart valves, causing inflammation and infection. The fever is the body's immune response to this invading infection. This symptom signals a potentially life-threatening complication that can rapidly damage heart valves and requires immediate, aggressive antibiotic treatment.

14. Cold Extremities & Pallor: Compromised Circulation

Persistently cold hands and feet, often accompanied by an unusual paleness (pallor) of the skin, can be a less obvious but significant warning sign of a serious heart murmur. These symptoms indicate that the heart is struggling to efficiently pump oxygenated blood to the body's furthest extremities, resulting in reduced circulation. The constricted blood flow leads to a noticeable drop in skin temperature and a pale appearance, signaling inadequate peripheral perfusion due to compromised cardiac output.