Is Still’s Murmur (Musical Heart) Dangerous?
Medically reviewed by Christopher Lee, MDMedically reviewed by Christopher Lee, MDA Still’s murmur is an abnormal heartbeat that presents as low-pitch musical-like sounds coming from the heart. The sound is often described as similar to a string being plucked on a violin. It was first documented in 1909 by English pediatrician George Frederic Still. The cause isn't well understood.This type of heart murmur is considered innocent, meaning it is not correlated with any heart disease or abnormalities and does not require treatment. That said, the sound can amplify when a person experiences feelings of fear or anxiety or while exercising. This type of murmur is highly common and found in as many as one-third of children between the ages of 2 and 6.
Thomas Barwick / Getty Images' title='Doctor listening to patient's heart during exam'>
Thomas Barwick / Getty Images
Does the Musical Sound Signify a Health Issue?The musical sound made by a Still’s murmur does not signify any medical issue or issue with the structure of the heart. That is why it’s referred to as an "innocent" murmur.There are other types of innocent heart murmurs, all with varying characteristics. These types do not indicate congenital heart defects, heart disease, or any other abnormality within the heart either.Common in KidsAs many as one-third of all children will have a Still’s murmur, making it the most commonly found innocent heart murmur in children ages 2 to 6. It can also be found in infants under 2 years old and young adults. The sound may also come and go over time.
What Does a Still’s Murmur Sound Like?The sounds made by the murmur often resemble those of a string being plucked and can sound twangy or vibrational, as if someone is plucking a violin string. It can be heard through a stethoscope placed on the left lower side of the chest. The sound may also become amplified during or directly after exercise or when a child is experiencing fear or anxiety.
Related: The Link Between Anxiety and High Blood Pressure
Potential CausesThe exact cause of a Still’s murmur is poorly understood, but there are some theories on why it develops. Researchers believe it is related to the pace at which blood flows through the heart.Research suggests that the velocity at which the blood flows through the aortic valve (the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the heart) is high, and those with a Still’s murmur also have smaller aortic diameters, leading to the sound. Fibrous bands of tissue may also be behind the music vibrations in a Still’s murmur, although not every child with a Still’s murmur also has these fibrous bands.
Related: Overview of the Four Heart Valves
How Can You Hear a Still’s Murmur?The only way to hear a Still’s murmur is by listening to the heart through a stethoscope in the proper area.The area that allows for the sound to be heard is located in the lower left area of the chest in front of the sternum.
When Is the Heart Murmur the Loudest?When a child is lying on their back, the sound of the Still’s murmur is the loudest.
Is the Murmur Treated?Still’s murmurs do not pose any health threats, and there is no treatment needed for them because of that. Eventually, the murmur will go away over time as the child ages. If your child has a Still's murmur, they can engage in all the same activities that a healthy child would.When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderYour child will not likely have any symptoms or medical issues related to a Still's murmur. The only way to detect one is for a healthcare provider to listen to the heart during a routine exam. A caregiver would likely not know a Still's murmur exists or have concerns regarding it to initiate a medical visit.The only time you may have to keep an eye on the murmur is if your child is under the age of 1. In infancy, routine visits with a cardiologist may be recommended to ensure that the sound does not stem from something serious and to watch for other heart changes that can occur during that first year of life.SummaryA Still's murmur is an innocent heart murmur that poses no threat to your child's health. When listened to using a stethoscope, the murmur makes musical sounds similar to that of a violin or other string instrument. While the cause isn't well understood, these murmurs typically resolve independently without intervention as your child ages. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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