Guide To The Causes Of Heart Murmurs

Valve Calcification

Patients can develop a heart murmur due to valve calcification, particularly aortic valve calcification. This condition occurs when calcium deposits build up on the heart valves as blood flows over the aortic valve repeatedly. The result is a hardening and thickening of the valves. It is vital to note that research has not linked calcium deposits in the heart valves to calcium supplements or products fortified with calcium. Instead, valve calcification is typically the result of another condition, including aortic valve stenosis or congenital aortic valve defects. As the aortic valve narrows and hardens, it makes it harder for blood to flow, which is what causes the heart murmur.