Distinguish Normal and Abnormal Heart Sounds

Normal heart sounds have two rhythms. When you listen to it, it sounds like a repeated "loop-dup". This sound comes from the activity of heart valves that open and close when blood flows through the heart. Heart sounds can be heard more clearly when the doctor performs an examination using a stethoscope. Heart sound can be a measuring tool to determine a person's health condition, including heart health. From the results of the examination, the doctor will determine the appropriate treatment steps.

Where Does Heartbeat Come From?

Anatomy of the heart consists of four chambers, namely the right and left atrium (porch) at the top, and the right and left ventricles (chambers) at the bottom. Between each atrium and ventricle there is a small valve that serves to keep the blood flowing in the right direction. In general, heartbeat sounds come from:

• The strength of the tissue that connects the valve and heart muscle.
• Vibration that occurs when the heart valve opens and closes.
• Blood flowing abnormally or too fast in the heart.

Usually a normal heart sound or not, is known when someone is sick and went to the doctor, or when doing medical check-ups. If your heart sounds are not "lup-dup" or there are additional sounds, your heart may be experiencing abnormalities.

Causes of Abnormal Heart Sounds

One form of abnormal heart sound is heart noise, otherwise known as a heart murmur. Heart murmurs occur when the heart valves do not close properly, so the blood can flow again and cause heart noise. Although not always cause danger, but in certain cases heart murmurs must be handled specifically. Heart murmurs are often caused by valvular heart disease. Even so, heart murmurs can also occur due to an increase in blood flow across the heart valves. This condition usually occurs due to the influence of other diseases that are not a heart disorder, such as anemia and hyperthyroidism. In addition to heart murmurs, there are also other heart sounds that are considered abnormal, such as friction rub, which causes friction sounds, which can indicate inflammation of the pericardium (membrane covering the heart). And gallop, which is when the sound of the heart resembles the sound of the pacing of a horse, often associated with the condition of heart failure. Heart sounds can help doctors to detect heart disease and congenital heart disease. To be sure, the doctor will conduct further tests, for example by echocardiography to see blood flow, or CT-scan of the heart to see the anatomical condition of the heart.

How to Maintain Heart Health

To maintain heart health, you can adopt a healthy lifestyle every day. Here are some examples of healthy lifestyles that can be applied every day:

• Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes per day is very good for the body. The sport can be done by walking, gymnastics, or cycling.

• Eating fibrous food

Eating fibrous foods such as fruit, vegetables, or whole grains at least 30 grams every day, can reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol

Smoking and consuming alcohol often cause various health problems, including heart problems. Then you should break the habit

• Reduce the use of salt

Excessive use of salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Begin not to always depend on salt.

• Control your weight

The risk of heart problems will increase if you are overweight. Therefore, start controlling ideal body weight.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle as above, the risk of heart problems can be reduced. If you suspect a heart problem, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible so that it is checked immediately and get the right treatment. Especially if you do have a congenital heart disease from birth, or have a history of heart and blood vessel disorders before. That way, the risk of more severe heart problems can be avoided.