Overview
A systolic ejection murmur is a type of heart murmur heard during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, usually caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart’s outflow tracts or valves. While not always a sign of disease, it can indicate underlying structural or functional heart problems. In Korea, patients benefit from advanced cardiac imaging, echocardiography, and specialized cardiology care for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What is Systolic Ejection Murmur?
A systolic ejection murmur is a heart sound that occurs between the first heart sound (S1) and the second heart sound (S2) during systole. It typically begins after S1, peaks in mid-systole, and ends before S2. It is often associated with conditions such as aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, or increased blood flow due to anemia or fever.
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic (detected during routine check-up)
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness or dizziness in severe cases
Causes
- Aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve)
- Pulmonic stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary valve)
- Increased cardiac output (fever, pregnancy, anemia, hyperthyroidism)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart defects
Risk Factors
- Congenital heart disease
- Rheumatic fever history
- Older age (degenerative valve disease)
- Family history of heart valve disorders
- Chronic high blood pressure
Complications
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- Stroke (in cases linked to severe valve disease)
- Sudden cardiac death (rare, usually in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
Prevention
- Regular cardiac check-ups, especially if you have a family history of heart disease
- Prompt treatment of infections to prevent rheumatic heart disease
- Control of blood pressure and cholesterol
- Healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and balanced diet
Treatment Options in Korea
In Korea, diagnosis and treatment of systolic ejection murmurs are supported by advanced cardiology centers and non-invasive imaging technologies:
- Diagnostic Tests: Echocardiography (TTE/TEE), ECG, chest X-ray, cardiac MRI, stress testing
- Medical Management: Treating underlying causes (e.g., managing anemia, infection, or thyroid issues)
- Interventional Procedures: Balloon valvuloplasty for stenotic valves
- Surgical Options: Valve repair or replacement (including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery)
- Specialized Centers: Korea University Anam Hospital, Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center offer state-of-the-art cardiology care and post-operative rehabilitation.
